Warrington Wolves could well names young duo Leon Hayes and Ewan Irwin in the halves again tonight, with head coach Sam Burgess also commenting on the future of another half-back.
Plenty has been said about Warrington’s half-back room for next year, particularly with George Williams set to leave but the confirmed signing of Brodie Croft has been a major boost.
Still, veteran Marc Sneyd and the injury-impacted Oli Leyland remain off-contract, with last time out starters Leon Hayes and Ewan Irwin contracted beyond the end of the season.
When asked about Hayes and Irwin and their chances of featuring for tonight’s game against Hull FC, Burgess told BBC Radio Merseyside on Wednesday: “I thought they did a good job. Sneyd brings a lot of experience as well in game management, so I’ll make a decision I’d say after today.
“I thought Leon and Ewan did a good job, very happy with them.”
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What next at Warrington Wolves for Oli Leyland
Burgess was also asked about Oli Leyland, whose 2025 season was ended early through injury with the former London Broncos man returning recently in the reservres.
On Leyland’s future, Burgess admitted: “I’m not sure, it’s up to Oli really. He’s got to get some consistency in his games, which he has been doing.
“We’re just monitoring him down there (in the reserves). He’s with us, he’s training really well and challenges in practise. Whilst he’s doing that it’s going to be good for him.”
Burgess added: “He’s the same as everyone else that is not in the 17, they’re all trying to get themselves in the 17 by being consistent, playing well, training well, doing the right things away from here. He’s no different to anyone else.”
As for the recent week off, Burgess explained how it was beneficial: “We can always use a break. We’ve got a few bumps and bruises at the moment. The players would have enjoyed that and just some time to get out of their minds and be around their families. Like I said, it’s just another way to try and get a positive out of the situation.”