2024 Season Preview: Warrington Wolves

2023 was a turbulent year for Warrington Wolves to say the least. Eight wins from the first eight matches and the Wolves were already being considered as genuine contenders for the League Leaders' Shield. Fans were excited like never before, and the rugby league world finally believed that this could be Warrington's year.

The hype was short-lived however, and their winning streak would eventually end - bitterly losing to rivals Wigan Warriors at home. A heavy 42-6 defeat to Wakefield Trinity in late July was then the final straw, seeing their Head Coach Daryl Powell walk out of the door. Inconsistency then followed towards the back end of the season, which meant there was not enough to build the much-needed momentum. So, despite scraping a top six finish, Warrington fell short in the eliminators.

But with former NRL and England star Sam Burgess taking over the head coaching role for 2024, an appointment which has sparked debate amongst fans and pundits by the way, can the Wolves finally change their fortunes and compete for some well-awaited silverware in 2024? With a buzz and hype surrounding the Warrington Wolves and their ambitions for the upcoming campaign, will stalwart Sam be the man take them to new heights?

Ins & outs

Ins

Lachlan Fitzgibbon (Newcastle Knights), Zane Musgrove (Free agent), Jordan Crowther (Wakefield Trinity), Sam Powell (Wigan Warriors), Brad Dwyer (Hull FC), Rodrick Tai (PNG Hunters), Wesley Bruines (St Helens), Toby King (Wigan Warriors ? returning to parent club from loan spell).

Outs

Peter Mata'utia (Retired), Daryl Clark (St Helens), Thomas Mikaele (North Queensland Cowboys), Greg Minikin (Featherstone Rovers), Riley Dean (Mackay Cutters), Aiden Doolan (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Jack Darbyshire (Leigh Leopards). 

Ones to watch

2024 stars

Warrington have an array of talent within their squad, and a strong-minded Toby King will undoubtedly be one to watch out for in 2024. After spending a season-long loan with rivals Wigan last year and playing an integral part in their successful season and Grand Final victory over Catalans Dragons, King really made a name for himself in the Wigan centres and appears to have enjoyed his time there.

There would be early speculation on whether he would remain at Wigan but with confirmation from the Wolves that King would return to his parent club, fans will be eager to see how King will perform back in Warrington colours. The Wolves will be hoping that King can top the stats for them in 2024, and bring the winning mentality and the vital experience he has learned, as they prepare for a big year.

Loyal Lachlan Fitzgibbon, who has only played for one club previously prior to signing with Warrington, will be looking to test himself in Super League. The 29-year-old second-rower has spent his entire career with NRL side Newcastle Knights, where he scored 31 tries in 112 appearances. Set to bolster Warrington's pack options, having operated as a wide-running back-rower in his Knights career, a committed Fitzgibbon believes that his best years are still in front of him on the rugby league pitch, as he prepares to pull on a Wolves jersey for the first time this season.

Next generation

19-year-old Leon Hayes is a prospering young half-back on the horizon and has come through the Warrington system. He made one appearance last season in his competitive home debut against rivals St Helens in the place of George Williams and never once looked out of place. Hayes will be looking to learn from the best in half-back partners Williams and Josh Drinkwater and will be hoping to kick on in 2024 under the influential Sam Burgess.

Defining dates

All eyes will be on Warrington's Round 1 fixture when they take the trip to Perpignan to face Catalans Dragons in February. Their last outing in France was a memorable one - it became their eighth consecutive win of the 2023 campaign, with some wild and memorable post-match scenes. Warrington will be hoping to reiterate this and make their mark from the start again in 2024.

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Tickets are now on general sale for our R2 clash against Hull FC ??
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) January 17, 2024

After this, Warrington have two home games on the bounce, where they host Hull FC and Castleford Tigers respectively - two teams unable to make the play-offs last year. It is imperative that Sam Burgess' men capitalise on this opportunity, to give themselves a solid start to the season. Nothing other than a top six finish in 2024 should suffice, although Burgess and the Warrington side will be aiming higher and hoping they can finally contest for the elusive silverware.

Squad list

1. Matt Dufty, 2. Josh Thewlis, 3. Toby King, 4. Stefan Ratchford, 5. Matty Ashton, 6. George Williams, 7. Josh Drinkwater, 8. James Harrison, 9. Danny Walker, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Ben Currie, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 13. Matty Nicholson, 14. Rodrick Tai, 15. Joe Philbin, 16. Zane Musgrove, 17. Jordan Crowther, 18. Leon Hayes, 19. Joe Bullock, 20. Connor Wrench, 22. Gil Dudson, 23. Brad Dwyer, 24. Matty Russell, 25. Lucas Green, 26. Wesley Bruines, 27. Luke Thomas, 28. Adam Holroyd, 29. Tom Whitehead, 30. Josh Lynch, 31. Jake Thewlis, 32. Sam Powell, 33. Aaron Lindop, 34. Max Wood, 35. Zac Bardsley-Rowe, 36. Nolan Tupaea.