Warrington Wolves’ alternative full-back options as Matt Dufty set for lengthy absence

Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess will be forced to shuffle his backline once again as star full-back Matt Dufty is expected to be missing for some time.

Dufty suffered a fractured eye socket in the Wolves’ Challenge Cup Final defeat to Hull KR, following a clash of heads in the final quarter of the game.

According to Burgess, “it popped out with seven or eight minutes to go”, meaning the Wolves will have to find a replacement full-back for the time being.

Warrington are already struggling for numbers across the backs, with winger Matty Ashton and utility Oli Leyland both out for the season with ACL injuries, as well as halfback Leon Hayes, who may not feature at all this season, after setbacks with ankle and hamstring issues.

This leaves Wolves boss Burgess with a decision to make as to who will fill Dufty’s spot at full-back, starting with a trip to Leeds Rhinos on Saturday evening.

Here are a few of his options as we head into the second half of the 2025 Super League season.

Warrington Wolves full-back options following Matt Dufty’s injury

Josh Thewlis

He could be Sam Burgess’ first-choice option at full-back, having played more matches than any other back for the Wolves this season, other than Dufty. However, he’s not played at full-back since round 17 in 2023, but he is a number one by trade, so would slot right back into the role, with another youngster taking his place on the wing.

Stefan Ratchford

If there’s any Warrington player to put their hand up to play in any role, it’s Ratchford. Again, he hasn’t played at full-back since 2022, and at 36, he might not have the pace anymore. However, he’s not a player to shy away from a challenge, and with the return of George Williams in the halves, it could be his only real chance to get back into the starting line-up.

Connor Wrench

With only two appearances to his name in 2025, Wrench might not be an obvious option, but he could fit in somewhere along the backline. If others are moved to full-back, he could play on the wing or in his preferred centre role for some much-needed game time.

Cai Taylor-Wray

Taylor-Wray has been on dual registration at Widnes Vikings this season, but suffered a hamstring injury playing for the Wolves reserve-grade team back in April. He’s only featured once for the Wolves in Super League this season, back in round 4, but hasn’t been included in any 21-man squad since. If he can recover from his injury, he could easily slot back into the full-back role as he has done previously.

Jake Thewlis

The younger Thewlis brother has spent time at both London Broncos and Salford Red Devils this season, for more minutes, while he has also played five games for the Wolves. He usually plays on the wing and can cover at centre if needed, so he’s a long-shot option for the full-back role.

Zac Bardsley-Rowe

Bardsley-Rowe has also spent some time at the Broncos this season, but only made one appearance. He’s another option in the centres if the backline moves around.

Alfie Johnson 

Johnson is the rugby union convert on a two-year deal at the Wolves. So far in 2025, he’s made two appearances in primrose and blue, while he has also represented London, Widnes Vikings and Halifax Panthers, joining the latter on a season long loan last month. It would be a risk to put him at full-back with so little rugby league experience, but he could play on the wing.

Arron Lindop

Another potential option at full-back for Warrington Wolves could be Arron Lindop. So far in 2025, he’s made 13 appearances across Super League and the Challenge Cup, all on the wing or at centre. His preferred role is in the centres, but he could still be an option.