Pre-season training is continuing but with squad numbers having been issued, we do have a much clearer picture about who may or may not be lining up for Sam Burgess’ side when February rolls around.

Next up, we take a closer look at the back row, where changes appear to have been made to protect the future as well as enhance the present…

Warrington Wolves second row options, 2026 season

Specialists: Kelepi Tanginoa, Sam Stone, James Bentley, Adam Holroyd

Other options: Ben Currie

Youngsters to watch: Ewan Smith, Oliver Bishop

It was an area that needed some attention – and that is what it’s had.

But even then, there was a feeling Wire were still missing something in the back row…and then they signed Kelepi Tanginoa.

Before it became clear the Hull KR man was heading their way, a look at Wire’s options in the edge forward area revealed plenty of graft and honesty but perhaps not enough explosiveness or attacking punch.

It could even be argued that Warrington have not really possessed such a player since Ben Murdoch-Masila departed at the end of 2020 – Lachlan Fitzgibbon was meant to be that player and was showing really good signs of it in the first half of 2024 before injuries stopped him from being the player he was.

However, Tanginoa certainly fits that mould and if used properly, he will be a huge weapon.

Before Tanginoa’s arrival, it had been a case of “one in, one out” in comparison with the back-row options that finished 2025 with Fitzgibbon having retired, the on-loan Sam Stone having made his loan move permanent and James Bentley having arrived from Leeds Rhinos.

The way in which the Ireland international departed the Rhinos was somewhat cloak and dagger and led many to believe the personal issues that plagued part of his career have reared their ugly head again.

Of course, that is merely speculation but as a result, the reaction to Warrington picking him up was somewhat mixed.

The usual “penalty machine who will always be banned” tag was thrown around, even if it’s increasingly looking like a misnomer in recent years, but there were plenty of fans who argued – with a dollop of justification – that a player of Bentley’s abrasive, combative nature is something they have been missing.

Have they had a player of that type since Ben Westwood left? John Bateman brought a bit of it during his short spell but so long as he stays on the right side of the line in every respect, one cannot help but feel that Bentley will be a good addition on that front.

James Bentley has arrived from Leeds Rhinos (Image: Joe Richardson)

From the club’s point of view, there is massive belief that Adam Holroyd, who is now very much a seasoned first-team player despite his tender years, and Ewan Smith are the long-term future of the back row, and you can expect both to feature pretty heavily in 2026.

Beyond them, Oliver Bishop was a standout in the Academy Grand Final-winning team and will no doubt spend a fair amount of time in first-team training.

Like in other positions, the experienced men in Stone and Bentley will carry most of the load so that the talented younger players in their position can be dipped in and out without fear of over-exposure.

There will certainly be an element of that with Holroyd, who has had to be protected from himself over the past two seasons, while Smith’s first taste of Super League was cruelly ended after less than a minute having been knocked out by a Rowan Milnes kick against Salford in Round 24.

Stone is an intriguing one – he was solid if unspectacular during his loan spell even though he ended with a decent return of three tries in 12 appearances.

To that end, it will be interesting to see what he can do with a full pre-season under his belt having arrived short of fitness in mid-season following a major injury.

Of course, there is always the option of moving Ben Currie back into the role he has played for much of his career, but you feel he is key at loose forward and won’t be moved unless it is absolutely necessary.

So like the rest of the pack, Wire’s back row is full of players who will graft but with Tanginoa now bringing some added X-factor, their options can be viewed in a different light.