Two young stars of Warrington Wolves’ academy have signed professional deals with a Championship club for 2026.

Warrington Wolves took the academy and reserve levels by storm in 2025, making it to both Grand Finals and winning the academy one after going unbeaten throughout the season.

Their impressive season continued as they went down under and beat the likes of Penrith Panthers and New South Wales and now two of team’s key players have signed with North Wales Crusaders.

The Welsh side won League One in 2025 and are now part of the expanded Championship with fixtures for the competition confirmed last week.

Junior Westwood and Jake Nottingham have both signed with the Welsh outfit and they’ll have a chance to make an impression in pre-season with three games already locked in for the Crusaders, including one before Christmas.

The pair became the third and fourth Wire academy starlets to sign in the Championship after Oliver Morgan (Goole Vikings) and Jake Ramsden (London Broncos) previously singed deals.

Warrington Wolves duo sign with North Wales Crusaders

North Wales announced both signings over the weekend with halfback Westwood another Wales U19 player to sign with the Crusaders.

Previously, Dean Muir’s side have signed Ashton Robinson and former Salford Red Devils man Charlie Glover.

Speaking on Westwood’s addition, Muir said: “Junior is a young halfback who adds so much threat with the ball. He is competitive and someone who will only get better. He has stepped into our environment as is already thriving.”

Nottingham, an outside back, has also represented Wales at youth levels, even speaking in his native Welsh language in the club’s announcement of his signing.

He said: “It’s an honour to join North Wales Crusaders. I’m grateful for the opportunity and committed to working hard, learning from the squad, and doing my part to help the team achieve its goals this season.

“Success is not an accident. It’s hard work, perseverance, learning, studying and sacrifice – and above all, loving what you do or learn to do.”

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