Warrington Wolves get their 2026 Super League campaign underway against St Helens, in arguably the biggest clash of the opening round.
Sam Burgess’ side will be up against a new-look St Helens side, now led by Paul Rowley – who will be hoping to break Saints’ three-year streak of failing to reach a major final.
Both clubs have made a number of additions, and there will be plenty of changes to the teams that last faced each other back in April 2025.
We have had a go at predicting each 17 that could potentially line-up to begin the campaign, and this time it’s the turn of the Wolves and the Red Vee.
Warrington Wolves:
Starting with home side, there will be no Matty Dufty, who departed the club this off-season. He is one of six players to have left the club since that game, and will likely be replaced by Cai Taylor-Wray at full-back.
Whether winger Matty Ashton will return in the season opener remains to be seen, but it will be a risk should he get the nod.
There are questions regarding the centre spots, too. Albert Hopoate, Toby King and Josh Smith will all be looking to make the side, but only two will be chosen. Should Ashton not make the opening game though, Smith could feature in his place.
Paul Vaughan’s exit means that a new prop will have to start the game, and that man is expected to be Liam Byrne. The former Wigan man will line-up with Luke Yates in the front row, whilst Danny Walker will start at hooker.
There are also questions regarding the back row, and there are a number of options there, too. Loose forward is more of a safer pick, with Ben Currie looking likely to captain the side from 13.
St Helens:
Rowley also has some selections to make, and key ones at that. Does he go with Tristan Sailor and Jackson Hastings in the halves, as he did in pre-season, or does he utilise one of Jonny Lomax or George Whitby.
The wing spot is also a cause for debate. Kyle Feldt will all but certainly start, which leaves Nene MacDonald, Lewis Murphy and Deon Cross to fight for the opposite flank.
In the pack, Joe Shorrocks looks to be the club’s new loose forward, replacing Morgan Knowles, who has departed for the NRL. David Klemmer has come in and taken the 13 jersey, but the former World Cup winner can play either at loose or at prop.
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Warrington Wolves vs St Helens predicted sides
Warrington Wolves:Â 1. Cai Taylor-Wray, 2. Josh Thewlis, 3. Toby King, 4. Albert Hopoate, 26. Josh Smith, 6. George Williams, 7. Marc Sneyd, 16. Liam Byrne, 9. Danny Walker, 8. Luke Yates, 34. Kelepi Tanginoa, 12. Sam Stone, 13. Ben Currie
Bench: 14. Sam Powell, 15. Toafofoa Sipley, 10. James Harrison, 20. James Bentley
St Helens:Â 1. Jack Welsby, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Harry Robertson, 4. Mark Percival, 25. Nene MacDonald, 6. Tristan Sailor, 31. Jackson Hastings, 8. Alex Walmsley, 9. Daryl Clark, 10. Matty Lees, 16. Matt Whitley 12. Shane Wright, 22. Joe Shorrocks
Bench: 7. Jonny Lomax, 13. David Klemmer, 14. Jacob Host, 15. George Delaney
