‘We’re optimistic’ – Sam Burgess makes Warrington Wolves prediction after Challenge Cup final defeat

Sam Burgess left Wembley Stadium feeling optimistic that his Warrington Wolves can build on their Challenge Cup final showing over the second half of the season.

Warrington lost out to Hull KR on Saturday with a last ditch effort from Tom Davies inflicting the Wolves’ second defeat at Wembley in as many years. It was a defeat they probably didn’t deserve, with Burgess’ side outplaying the Robins for large periods of the game.

They led for a big chunk of the contest, too, with Josh Thewlis’ first half try separating the two sides until Davies touched down in the 77th minute. As such, the defeat was as agonising as it was heart-breaking, but Burgess expects Warrington to be better for the experience as they look to find some Super League traction and climb the table.

“We’re optimistic,” the head coach said. “We have great belief in who we are and we’ll be down for a couple of days after this but it will give us great resolve and determination to attack the second half of the season.

“I think everyone in the stadium could see what team we are. Although our form in the league is not what it needs to be, I think everyone is aware of who we are and what we stand for as a group.”

Sam Burgess hails Warrington Wolves individuals

Marc Sneyd was Wire’s stand out performer on the day and he did enough to claim the Lance Todd Trophy for a record equalling third time. He won 31 of 37 votes cast by the media.

Burgess saw plenty of other impressive performers in primrose and blue, though, and took the opportunity to praise them, starting with Luke Yates.

“They looked like a team that really wanted to win and who were ready to win,” he said. “Luke was leading that, I thought Lachy Fitz, Paul Vaughan, all my forwards were great.

“It’s hard to single anyone out because they were all spectacular. I think Sneyd just sits above everyone because of the way he played but I think Yates has been brilliant for the last three or four weeks. Ben Currie was courageous and did 80 minutes in the middle.

“I was really pleased for the group but we just didn’t quite get the trophy we came for.”

💯 Unbelievable effort despite a heartbreaking @WarringtonRLFC loss!

👇 The best of Marc Sneyd’s Lance Todd Trophy winning performance…

🏆 #ChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/GBT0W4YNRC

— Betfred Challenge Cup (@TheChallengeCup) June 9, 2025