After the news that club captain George Williams will leave for the NRL at the end of the year, Warrington Wolves are facing a major rebuild.
Not only are Wire set to lose their captain, they also face losing a handful of other key players with a total of eight others off-contract at the end of the season and a further two having extension options in their deals.
It means that Warrington Wolves face one of the largest prospective squad turnovers in Super League as it stands with the club now needing to set forth a plan to work out what their squad, and in particular their spine, will look like in 2027.
There are key elements of the team already locked in with young star Ewan Irwin tied down to 2030, hooker Danny Walker to 2029 and wing duo Matty Ashton and Josh Thewlis both signed up until the end of the 2028 season.
However, three half-backs, including Williams, one hooker and four forwards are all without deals beyond this season, putting Warrington in a precarious position. We’ve looked at what the club’s contract priorities should be in light of George Williams’ confirmed exit with the Wolves facing some tough decisions in the coming weeks and months.
Warrington Wolves’ pending contracts
James Harrison and Luke Thomas
Both forwards have extension options on their deals so Warrington have some degree of security with them but Wire will likely still be keen to wrap them up, Harrison in particular who is approaching his prime years.
Ben Currie
With George Williams confirmed to be leaving, someone like Ben Currie becomes far more important to a team with his leadership among his best qualities. The one-club man will be 32 heading into 2026 but that’s no reason for Wire not to re-sign Currie, who went beyond 300 games for the Wolves last year.
Luke Yates
Another player who Wire should rebuild around in regards to culture, if not age, with Yates another veteran but one who is among the most professional in the sport. Moved to prop for 2026, the Australian looks set for a big role and will surely be high on Karl Fitzpatrick’s list of those to re-sign.
Joe Philbin
Philbin is another veteran forward which highlights the importance for Warrington to secure at least one of this trio given the experience that they boast. Losing all of Currie, Yates and Philbin, as well as Williams in one off-season would be a huge blow to stomach.
James Bentley
Perhaps less of a priority than some given the fact Bentley will have to prove himself to earn a new deal, as highlighted by the initial one-year deal.
Sam Powell
With Danny Walker the clear starter and Ben Hartill developing nicely, former Wigan man Powell could be an experienced player that Wire may allow to leave with the hooker set to turn 34 in July.
Toby King
After the additions of Albert Hopoate and Josh Smith as well as the development of Arron Lindop and other young guns, Toby King could be one of those who Warrington wait and see on.
Marc Sneyd
What elevates the loss of George Williams is the fact that fellow half Marc Sneyd is also off-contract with Sam Burgess facing the possibility of losing both starting halves in the same off-season. Ewan Irwin will be key in the rebuild but having a player like Sneyd alongside him could be of huge benefit.
Oli Leyland
With Williams leaving, Sneyd off-contract and fellow half Leon Hayes lacking game time due to terrible injury luck, Leyland certainly holds value for Warrington but he’s recovering from his own injury at the point so will potentially find it hard to get the games under his belt to earn a new deal.
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We can confirm that captain George Williams will leave the club at the end of the 2026 season, upon the expiry of his current contract, to take up an opportunity in the NRL.
Full story and quotes from George 👇
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) February 3, 2026
