Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess has set out a challenge to young full-back Cai Taylor-Wray after his Man of the Match performance against St Helens.
Taylor-Wray, who still doesn’t turn 20 until later this month, had big boots to fill when handed the number one shirt ahead of the 2026 Super League season, but his performance against Saints underlined that he indeed earned that shirt.
The teenager was a key point of difference between the sides as Warrington won 24-14, with Taylor-Wray scoring a wonderful try but also setting up two more with his assist for Josh Thewlis’ try showcasing his passing ability and not just his electric pace.
Asked why he had the faith to hand him that number one shirt, Sam Burgess told Sky Sports post-match: “We all see how talented he is. He’s a great, great young lad. He’s a joy to coach and he’s an excitement machine.”
Despite the teen’s incredible performance, Sam Burgess was keen to keep the full-back on his toes as he pointed out errors made by the full-back, admitting that Warrington are prepared to accept those as the youngster learns his trade.
Burgess said: “The thing is, he’s got a lot to work on in his game as well. He made a number of errors tonight, and he’s going to make them all year long, but we’re okay with that as a club. We’re happy to watch him develop, but I thought tonight he was very good, and when he had to make a few plays, he made them, so I’m happy with him.”
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Warrington Wolves boss hails defensive effort versus St Helens
As for how far the youngster can go, Burgess again put the emphasis on the teenager: “I mean, it’s completely up to Cai. It’s whatever he likes. Like most players, he’s applied himself over the pre-season, he’s been very committed to his role. It’s a big responsibility to be the full-back in the side.
“We’re happy to have him on the team, he’s been in our system for a long time. Like I said, it’s going to be a work in progress with him through the year, but he’s got some wonderful parts of his game that we enjoy watching him bring to the league.”
As for the performance itself, Warrington raced into a lead with their first-half performance being dominant but they were then forced to defend far more in the second-half and Burgess pointed to that as a key reason to be proud.
He said: “We faced a lot tonight because the second half, we just defended for the first 20 minutes, so I was very proud of the result.
“We’re happy to start that way, but we’ve still got a bit to work on and the guys will be pretty open about that as well, I’d say.”
Warrington have a bye week in round two courtesy of opponents Hull KR contesting the World Club Challenge meaning Sam Burgess and the Wolves have a 15-day wait before their next clash, a home game against Wakefield at the end of the month.
Cai Taylor-Wray dazzles as Warrington beat Saints at home ✨ pic.twitter.com/Cxc8ZJ55RS
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) February 13, 2026
