Sam Burgess’ time as head coach of Warrington Wolves has been a turbulent one to say the least.
In his first year, he reached the Challenge Cup Final, but lost out to Wigan Warriors, whilst in the league they finished in third, and boasted the best defensive record in the competition.
Meanwhile, 2025 saw the club fall out of the play-offs, and despite again reaching Wembley, they ranked eighth, ending the year with just one win in their last nine matches.
In his time as boss, Burgess has said goodbye to over 20 players, as he tries to work out what his best squad is. Most of those came at the end of 2025, with the club announcing a number of exits after the season had concluded.
We have taken a look at who each departed player is, and there are some big names on the list including ex-internationals, club legends and promising youngsters.
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Every Warrington Wolves player to depart under Sam Burgess
John Bateman
The England international joined Warrington on loan at the end of 2024 from Wests Tigers. He featured 10 times, scoring once. He moved to North Queensland Cowboys in 2025, and is in the second and final year of his deal.
Wesley Bruines
Departing the Halliwell Jones without making an appearance, Bruines spent 2025 playing in the Queensland Cup, before moving back to the UK in 2026. He will feature for Batley Bulldogs in the Championship this year
Joe Bullock
The former Wigan prop was at Warrington for three seasons, but 2024 would be his last. After moving to Salford permanently ahead of 2025, he switched to Cumbrian side Barrow Raiders, and recently made a bold claim regarding how his side will fare in 2026.
Josh Drinkwater
The half-back amassed 50 games for Wire across two seasons, after joining from Catalans Dragons. Departing at the end of 2024, he joined Oldham RLFC upon their return to the Championship, and was one of their key players last year.
Gil Dudson
The former Welsh international was another that was part of Oldham’s squad last year, but has since retired from the sport. He ended his career with a total of 319 matches at club level, with a further 19 for his national side.
Matt Dufty
Dufty left the club earlier this week to return down under.
Brad Dwyer
Dwyer ended his second spell with the Wolves prematurely, and was the one of the first players to depart in the Burgess era. Initially joining Leigh Leopards on a season-long loan, the move was made permanent in April 2024, and he has been with the Leopards ever since. However, he now finds himself without a club, after his contract expired at the Leigh Sports Village this November.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon
Departing at the end of 2025, Fitzgibbon left the club with 12 months left on his contract, and has returned to Australia. His next career move is yet to be confirmed, but at 32, there could still be a few seasons left in his tank, be that in the NRL or reserve grade.
Lucas Green
The youngster ended his time at the club with seven appearances, but found many more whilst out on loan. He has represented Swinton, Bradford, Widnes, North Wales and Keighley in his career, and it will be the Cougars he plays for in 2026, after landing a permanent deal in West Yorkshire.
Alfie Johnson
Rugby union convert Johnson was handed his Wolves debut in defeat to Wakefield Trinity, though he did manage to cross for a try in the game. He joined Halifax on loan for most of 2025, and after signing permanently with the Panthers, will be making The Shay his home this season.
Josh Lynch
Despite it not being under Burgess, Lynch has one Wolves appearance to his name, as he made a try-scoring debut against Huddersfield in 2022. His time at Warrington came to an end after being found with a positive drugs sample. He served a 16-month ban, and has been able to continue playing from June onwards.
Ryan Matterson
The Parramatta loanee joined the Wolves in the second half of 2025, making eight appearances. His future as an Eels player was up in the air, but it seems he will return to the side for 2026, and will be part of their top 30 squad.
Zane Musgrove
After signing ahead of 2024, the former Samoan international left Wire in May 2025. He was confirmed as an Oldham player just hours after his departure, but picked up an eight-match ban in his third, and final, game at the club.
He ended the year at Bradford Bulls, but is currently without a team after his contract was not renewed upon their promotion to Super League.
Matty Nicholson
The back rower moved to the NRL ahead of 2025, and started the season in great form with Canberra Raiders. However, injury ruled him out for most of the season, with him returning for the final two games of the year.
The signs are promising for Nicholson, and if he can start this season the way he did last, the Raiders, and England, will have a strong player on their hands.
Dan Okoro
Another man who didn’t get a first-team opportunity, Okoro cut his contract short this off-season to sign with Championship side Halifax. He spent 2025 on loan at Castleford Tigers, and made eight appearances for the West Yorkshire outfit.
Stefan Ratchford
The Wire legend hung up his boots after an incredible 19-year career and took up a coaching role with the club. He spent 14 of those years at the Wolves, and made over 350 appearances for the club, scoring 95 tries and kicking 650 goals.
Dan Russell
The PNG international’s time at Warrington was underwhelming to say the least, and he spent most of 2025 on loan at Salford Red Devils. He will continue to work under ex-Salford assistant Kurt Haggerty, after the 30-year-old penned a one-year deal with Bradford Bulls.
Matty Russell
The Scottish international’s second stint at the Wolves was marred by injuries, with him only making 15 appearances in 2023 and 2024. He departed the club at the end of that year, moving to Wakefield Trinity upon their return to Super League in 2025. He will feature for Oldham in 2026.
Rodrick Tai
Signing for Warrington in Burgess’ first year, Tai went on to make 41 appearances, scoring 13 tries. The former PNG international returned home this off-season, and will feature for Queensland Cup side Central Queensland Capras.
Nolan Tupaea
The youngster’s sole Wire appearance came in 2024, as he started in the back row in a one-point defeat to Wigan Warriors. His exit was one of the many confirmed by the club in September, but as it stands his next club is yet to be confirmed.
Tom Whitehead
The young prop was an exciting prospect at Warrington, which only added to the fans frustration when he was announced to have signed for Hull KR. He joins the Robins on a long-term deal, having made 11 appearances for the Wolves.
Connor Wrench
The centre announced his shock retirement from the sport in August 2025, with the 24-year-old wanting to focus on opportunities outside the sport. He ended his Warrington career with 32 appearances – 21 of those came under Burgess.
