Rating each club’s transfers: Warrington Wolves

With the start of the season now just three weeks away, we continue our look at the transfers done by clubs so far.

This time, we look at Challenge Cup winners Warrington Wolves.

In

Anthony Gelling (Widnes Vikings)

Keanan Brand (Widnes Vikings)

Samy Kibula (Wigan Warriors)

Matty Ashton (Swinton Lions)

Gareth Widdop (St George-Illawarra Dragons)

Out

Tayler Brown (Swinton Lions)

Pat Moran (Widnes Vikings)

Lama Tasi (Sarnia)

Harvey Livett (Hull KR) (Loan)

Kevin Brown (Salford Red Devils)

Ben Westwood (Retired)

Bryson Goodwin (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Analysis

Warrington were crippled by an inconsistent end to the season in 2019. They started the season well and looked like they would be Saints’ closest challengers, but ended the season in fourth place.

To address these inconsistencies, they have added some NRL talent to put in the halves to play alongside Blake Austin. Gareth Widdop is a two-time NRL winner and will certainly add that big game experience to the Wire’s attack.

The experience of Bryson Goodwin will be a big loss for the Wolves this season, but they have added a familiar face. A man who was the scourge of the club for years during his time at Wigan Warriors; Anthony Gelling.

The Cook Islander had been plying his trade with Widnes Vikings in the Championship after returning to the UK, but he is certainly a character and a very able player on his day.

Also following Gelling from Widnes is Keanan Brand. He was one of many young Vikings players to come through recently and was well thought of at the Wire’s rivals.

In addition, Wire have chosen to add more depth to their ranks with the acquisitions of Matty Ashton and Samy Kibula, both impressed whilst playing at Swinton Lions in 2019.

Overall, Warrington have strengthened, whether or not it will be enough to change their fortunes remains to be seen. If they can keep their top players fit, then they can certainly build on last year.

Rating

8/10