How Warrington Wolves’ pack could look in 2026 after latest signing if rumours are true

Warrington Wolves have made significant strides towards improving their front row options for next season under Sam Burgess.

The Wolves have already announced two additions to their pack for next season with Tevita Pangai Jr and Toafofoa Sipley joining the club from the start of the 2026 campaign. The latter saw his move confirmed by the club this morning with the Manly Sea Eagles man making the move on a two-year deal.

Sipley has been a regular in the NRL over the last few years and the 30-year-old joins the Warrington with heaps of experience under his belt. At 6’3” and 120kg, he also adds size and power to the Wolves’ pack, which is something Pangai Jr provides in an abundance, too.

According to the Warrington Guardian, the Wire also have Wigan Warriors’ Liam Byrne locked in for next season, too. Byrne is no stranger to Super League fans with his size and work rate through the middle an undoubted asset.

Paul Vaughan will be leaving the club to join York Knights, but even without the Australian, it’s fair to say Warrington are building what looks to be a formidable pack for 2026 and here’s how it could look.

How Warrington Wolves’ 2026 pack is shaping up

Props:

Liam Byrne can expect to slot straight into the starting line-up, a role he has played so often for Wigan over the years and with Pangai Jr alongside him, that’s a pairing that can be expected to get Warrington off on the front foot against any side.

Joe Philbin and James Harrison remain contracted and look likely to come off the bench, with either man able to do a turn at loose-forward, or second row if needs be, while Sipley has the potential to make a huge impact off the bench.

Dan Okoro, Luke Thomas and Max Wood will be sticking around they’ll be looking to pick up more game time in primrose and blue. It should be noted that Dolphins’ Josh Kerr has also been linked with a move to Warrington but that was before Sipley’s move was confirmed.

Starting: Liam Byrne and Tevita Pangai Jr

Off the bench: Joe Philbin, James Harrison, Toafofoa Sipley.

Other options: Dan Okoro, Luke Thomas, Max Wood

Hooker

Danny Walker is the only senior hooker officially tied down for next season, but Sam Powell is expected to stick around. Jordy Crowther has been seen at hooker too this season, but his contract is up this year and his future remains unclear.

Second-row

Firstly, it seems Warrington have a decision to make regarding Sam Stone, who has been on loan from Salford Red Devils since June. The back-rower has made six appearances and scored one try since making the switch but whether he’s done enough to push Warrington into making his move permanent remains to be seen.

The same can be said for Ryan Matterson, who made his debut for the Wolves against Leigh Leopards last time out.

The Wire have Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Ben Currie tied down and as it stands right now, they look the most likely to be the starting second-rowers, with Adam Holroyd available, too.

Dan Russell will return to the Halliwell Jones Stadium from Salford, but it’s difficult to see how he gets a look in at present. Tom Whitehead is Hull KR bound according to Hull Live. Nolan Tupaea is one of the leading youngsters pushing to emerge in the back row.

Starting: Ben Currie, Lachlan Fitzgibbon

Off the bench: Adam Holroyd

Other options: Dan Russell, Nolan Tupaea

Loose-forward

Judging by the amount of options available at prop, Luke Yates could be the man seen at 13 next season, it seems. He’s not a ball playing lock, but he has the ability to play big minutes and his work rate in defence is often exceptional.

Currie offers something different of course, but with the way the Warrington’s squad is currently shaped for next season, he may have to move back to second-row. Crowther could provide cover there if he pens a new deal, while Harrison and Philbin can play there too, as mentioned above.

Starting: Luke Yates

Other options: Jordy Crowther (off contract)