One of Warrington Wolves’ forgotten men has made his playing return after a cruel season-ending injury suffered in 2025.
Young half Oli Leyland impressed for London Broncos during the 2024 season with his talents catching the attention of many clubs in Super League, including Warrington Wolves with Sam Burgess’ side signing the young playmaker.
The 24-year-old played a handful of games for Warrington at the start of the 2025 season, including the club’s nightmare in Las Vegas, however, Leyland picked up a season-ending ACL injury in May.
It had been Leyland’s fifth appearance for Wire but he’s now finally made a playing return, representing the club’s reserves off the bench in a defeat to a very strong London Broncos side.
The Broncos, who are in 1895 Cup action today (Sunday), named plenty of first-team talent such as Alex Walker, Liam Tindall, Epel Kapinias and Sadiq Adebiyi to land a 32-28 win over Warrington’s young guns.
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Oli Leyland makes Warrington Wolves’ return
Whilst Leyland will have certainly wanted to make a winning return to action, his return to the field after 330 days is of huge significance and it could now be followed by a period away from the club on loan in a bid to get him some first-team minutes.
George Williams has been a constant in the halves for Warrington Wolves whilst Ewan Irwin has been pushing Marc Sneyd for the other starting spot. Leon Hayes has also returned from injury and is out on loan at Widnes Vikings.
As such there is big competition for places in the Wire spine with the off-contract Leyland surely keen to impress and earn himself a shot back in Warrington Wolves’ first team.
Speaking in his pre-match presser earlier in the week, Sam Burgess had confirmed the plans for Leyland to appear from the bench, whilst also confirming a likely loan spell with a number of Championship clubs likely destinations.
Super League sides such as Bradford Bulls also have a shortage in their halves and therefore could be a possible landing spot once Leyland has returned to match fitness.
330 days but we’re back, grateful for yeh journey and the support ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BHQG3uyGhg
— Oli Leyland (@LeylandOli) April 18, 2026
