Warrington Wolves 2025 season preview
2024 recap
The Wire had an outstanding campaign in 2024, fighting on all three fronts under rookie coach Sam Burgess. Ultimately they had nothing to show for their efforts as they lost in the Challenge Cup Final to Wigan, and were beaten 10-8 by Hull KR in an agonising play-off semi-final defeat. Overall though, the signs look good for the year ahead, and there were plenty of positives to take from the year.
2024 position: 3rd
Key signings
Oli Leyland (London Broncos), Dan Russell (St George Illawarra Dragons), Alfie Johnson (Leeds Rhinos)
Key departures
Matty Nicholson (Canberra Raiders), Gil Dudson (Oldham), Josh Drinkwater (Oldham), Matty Russell (Wakefield Trinity), John Bateman (End of loan), Joe Bullock (Salford Red Devils), Wesley Bruines (Released)
Players to watch
All eyes will be on young halfback Leon Hayes in 2025, who has been rewarded with the number 7 jersey. Last year was set to be a breakout campaign for the 20 year-old, but a horrific ankle injury just nine games into the year ended his season prematurely. He’s set to miss the first five weeks in 2025 as well, but he’ll be eager to make up for lost time when he’s back.
Matt Dufty’s form saw him nominated for Man of Steel in 2024, and the fullback will be keen to pick up where he left off this year. Capable of scoring from anywhere, the fleet-footed fullback is one of Super League’s most dangerous attacking weapons on his day.
Young gun
Arron Lindop had a year to remember in 2024, including a try-scoring debut in round one and a two-try performance in the 4-40 demolition of Wigan. The young centre is still only 18, but he’s a big favourite of coach Sam Burgess, and more first team chances look a certainty in 2025.
Our prediction – 2nd
Whisper it quietly, but this might just be Warrington’s year at long last. They’ve got to get past some pretty good teams of course, but if 2024 was anything to go on, they’ll be right up there again when it comes to the business end. A low turnover of players is usually a good sign, and there’s plenty of homegrown talent waiting for their chance in the first team. If they don’t win anything this year, they’ll be pretty close again.
