After a truly underwhelming season that saw them finish 8th in 2025, Sam Burgess and Warrington Wolves need to bring in some major changes if they are to return next year as playoff and trophy contenders.
With just one win in their final nine games of the season, the efforts of the players and the attitude of the squad left fans in disarray, as they wondered how their side went from a third placed side that reached the semi-final in 2024, to one that were suffered poor defeats to the likes of Salford and Huddersfield.
Senior players failed to step up, and Burgess became a masterful deflector in his press conferences, but if the Wolves are to improve next year, those things need to change and there must be some responsibility taken within the group.
They have already started building for next year, and with four signings announced already, they will be hoping for a strong pre-season to set the tone for the year ahead.
Warrington Wolves predicted 2026 line-up as four signings set to feature
Full-back: Matt Dufty
The Australian number one was one of the experienced players in the squad last year who’s attitude was suboptimal. That was proven when he was named at 18th man in defeat to Hull FC, and Dufty failed to even make the trip with the team.
Warrington have an impressive youth setup, highlighted by their reserves Grand Final appearance and academy Grand Final win. Cai Taylor-Wray is someone hot on Dufty’s heels and if the former NRL man doesn’t improve his effort, there is a more than adequate replacement waiting in the wings.
Wingers: Josh Thewlis and Matty Ashton
The wing positions is where Warrington provide the most threat. Speedster Matty Ashton suffered an ACL injury early into the season, ruling him out for the majority of the campaign. Before that injury, he recorded nine tries in as many matches, and would have certainly been a consistent performer as the year went on.
On the opposite flank, Wire’s player of the year, Josh Thewlis, continues to develop and has become a key part of the team. The club have two prolific try scorers on either edge, however they were underused last year due to the inconsistencies in other parts of the field.
Centres: Albert Hopoate and Aaron Lindop
The centres is where the first real changes are set to take place. As it stands, neither Toby King or Roderick Tai have signed a new contract with the club, and look set to be moving elsewhere in 2026. The Wolves have announced that departing Canberra Raiders man, Albert Hopoate, will join the club on a two-year deal and he is expected to be used in the centres.
Should things remain and those two not get offered new terms, the next in line would be youngster Aaron Lindop, who had a brilliant start to 2025 before he also picked up an ACL injury one week after the Challenge Cup Final defeat. After featuring and scoring in Las Vegas, a strong pre-season for Lindop could see him cement his place in the starting side, and partner Thewlis on what would be a youthful but talented right edge
Halves: George Williams and Marc Sneyd
Prospect Leon Hayes is unlucky to miss out, after a 15-month injury stopped him from being able to compete at the start of the season. The arrival of Marc Sneyd in March from Salford Red Devils meant that he instantly became first choice, and when Hayes finally made his return in August, he managed just two appearances before fracturing his arm.
As such, the lack of game time and his inexperience suggests that Sneyd will continue as first choice, as he partners Williams in the halves. The pair are two elite playmakers on their day, but will need to step up and perform significantly next year if Warrington are to go back to competing at the top.
Props: Tevita Pangai Jr and Liam Byrne
Incoming prop Pangai Jr joins from a sole season Catalans Dragons, who themselves didn’t perform to their required standards. The Tongan international will replace the Paul Vaughan-shaped hole in the Wolves pack, and will hope for an improved second season in Super League.
Alongside him will be Liam Byrne, who joins from Wigan Warriors. A man with over 150 senior appearances, the Irish international played in the 2024 Grand Final for the Warriors, as they defeated Hull KR.
Hooker: Danny Walker
Walker, on his day, is one of the most exciting hookers to watch in the league, and is a rock in defence as much as he is a threat in attack. Injury kept him out for large parts of the season, but with another pre-season combining with Sneyd and the halves, we expect him to be back on top form in 2026.
Second Rowers: Ben Currie and Adam Holroyd
The back row is currently Warrington’s weakest position. Veteran Ben Currie retains his place, as he goes into his 14th season as a first team player. The former England international can also cover the centres and loose forward should he need to, and provides experience to the younger members of the pack.
Alongside him is one of those young guns, with Adam Holroyd looking at a starting role as it stands. The departures of Lachlan Fizgibbon, Dan Russell and the expiration of Sam Stone’s loan leave him now as a first-choice. Whilst Holroyd enjoyed a long-stint in the starting side at the beginning of 2025, a powerful back rower should be the next target when it comes to recruitment.
Loose Forward: Luke Yates
Former Huddersfield captain Yates spent most of the year in the front row, and whilst he is capable of playing that role, prefers to be at 13. A switch back to loose forward should be on the cards for 2026, and in his more natural position has the freedom to complete to his high standards. Yates was Super League’s top tackler in 2023, and that form was part of the reason he moved to the Wolves, however we are yet to see his full potential in Primrose and Blue.
Bench: Toafofoa Sipley, James Harrison, Joe Philbin, Leon Hayes
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