Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess has explained the reasons behind why forward Max Wood has been sent on a month-long loan to Hull FC amid plenty of questions from fans why the prop is not playing.
Wood has become a popular player among the Warrington fan base since the 21-year-old was picked up from Wigan Warriors, however, his popularity among the fans has not impacted his game time this season.
The 21-year-old has played just four times for Warrington in 2026 despite the Wolves having a number of injury issues throughout their pack, not least the loss of Joe Philbin in training this week.
Despite that, Wood has been sent to Hull FC for a one-month loan in a decision that has perplexed and even angered some Warrington Wolves fans. Asked about that in his press conference, shared by BBC Radio Merseyside, Sam Burgess said: “I think with Max, there are parts of his game that I’ve challenged him on.
“We’ve put a lot of time into Max over the last two and a half years, and rightly so that he should be liked by the fans. He’s a great player, we can all see that.”
Burgess added: “I think when he arrived at the club to where he is now, there’s been a vast change. He looks like he’s ready to play first team but there are just parts of his game that I want him to work on, things that not everyone has to understand or respect.
“This decision is for Max’s development and to make him a better player in the long run and essentially make him a better player at Warrington.”
Brad Arthur commits to Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR lose back-to-back and Captain’s Challenge rule debated – Click here to listen to this week’s episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
Warrington Wolves prop’s loan will ‘make him better in the long run’
It’s a decision that he said fans will ‘hopefully over time’ come to understand as Burgess continued to explain the decision, first noting the club’s commitment to Wood before revealing why the switch to Hull FC will be good for the prop.
“We’ve got a lot of time for Max, we like him here, he’s got a long-term contract, and we’re trying to develop our players the best we can,” Burgess explained.
“For Max to improve, reserve level is not good enough for him, Championship as well, so getting him first team consistent time where he’s playing long minutes will only make him better in the long run.
“I like the fact it’s in Hull, to get out of his comfort zone, he’ll have to figure out a new schedule and that itself will make him a better player in the long term.”
Wood becomes the third loanee in the Hull FC pack alongside Leeds Rhinos’ Ethan O’Neill and Jeremiah Mata’utia, with Wood in line to debut for the Black and Whites against Huddersfield this week.
Max Wood has joined Hull FC on a month-long loan, with a week-to-week recall option 🔄
Go well, Max 🙌 pic.twitter.com/oLRoXf81yN
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) June 8, 2026
Warrington Wolves
Super League switch looms as Warrington Wolves half-back exits club
