Warrington Wolves are arguably the team under the most pressure heading into 2026, with the club needing to rectify their poor 2025 season with a strong campaign.
The team significantly underperformed, despite reaching the Challenge Cup Final, and were a shadow of the side that finished third and were 80 minutes from Old Trafford the season prior.
As head coach, Sam Burgess needs to find a way to get his side to click once again, but from an individual standpoint, there are some key players that have something to prove going into next year, which should give them added motivation to perform.
Be it to silence doubters or to stake their claim for a place in the national side, we have picked out five players who will be looking to step up and help their side get back to a play-off place.
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Five Warrington Wolves players with points to prove
George Williams
The obvious pick here is Williams, who is under increasing pressure at both club and country for his sub-par performances this season. Reportedly moving to the NRL in 2027, he needs to prove he still has the makings of a world class half-back, something he has shown in the past but has been missing from his game as of late.
At international level, his place in the side should be under threat, with Mikey Lewis and Jake Connor both proving they are worthy of that starting England role. It is vital Williams improves this year for both himself, Warrington and England.
Matt Dufty
After being snubbed of the number one shirt for 2026, Dufty has decided to stay with Warrington by all accounts, and will be a part of their squad going forward. Having him in the set-up can be a huge positive, but only if he brings the right attitude and mindset. Reports emerged last season that, after being named 18th man at Hull FC, he failed to travel with the squad that day, and that behaviour is something that will need to change next year, especially if he is not going to be a guaranteed starter.
Cai Taylor-Wray
The man who took Dufty’s one shirt, Taylor-Wray is an exciting young prospect who looks set to be given an extended opportunity in the first team. The 19-year-old has made nine Super League appearances so far, and has looked impressive in that time. With an increase in responsibility, he will be hoping to cement his place in the side and progress at senior level, developing into the club’s long-term full-back.
James Bentley
After his shock exit at Leeds Rhinos, Bentley found himself at Wire, and has signed a one-year deal to continue his Super League career. After being given the opportunity, he will want to get back to playing his best rugby, something he himself admitted had been missing for the past few seasons.
Oli Leyland
After Leon Hayes’ injury at the start of 2025 saw him handed an opportunity in the side, including in Las Vegas, Leyland’s time as a starter was short-lived, as the club brought in Marc Sneyd from Salford in March.
He suffered an ACL injury in May, ruling him out for the remainder of the year, and in that time he seems to have dropped down the pecking order, with Williams, Sneyd, Hayes and Ewan Irwin all ahead of him.
When he is back fit, Leyland will have plenty to prove, the first one being he is ready for that starting role again. At 24, there is still plenty of time for him to develop into a first-team regular, be that at the Wolves or elsewhere.
