Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess has confirmed that prop Luke Yates will miss the remainder of the season, however, he’s offered hope that captain George Williams will play again in 2026.
Speaking mid-week to BBC Radio Merseyside, Burgess revealed that Yates would head for scans and possibly require a surgery similar to the one that Williams has recently undergone and speaking after his side’s win over Bradford Bulls, he’s confirmed that to be the case.
“Yatesy, unfortunately, will be gone for the year. That result came back and he’s gone for the year which is unfortunate for Yatesy and the group,” Burgess said post-match in a presser shared on the Warrington Wolves YouTube channel.
“He’s going to have to have a similar procedure to George on his neck so he’s out for the season.”
That obviously led to questions around Williams, given the similarity of the procedures, and Burgess confirmed that, in his opinion, the Wire captain would return by merit of the fact he’s had his surgery weeks in advance ahead of Yates.
Burgess explained: “He (Yates) can’t get in for another three or four weeks so it rules him out, whereas you’ll see George again.
“If I was a betting man, we’d see George again at some point… He’s a good chance at getting back, I’d say, at the back end.”
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Warrington Wolves confirm fresh hamstring injury
Yates’ loss is a major blow whereas the prospect of a Williams return is one that offers plenty of hope, however, Burgess had yet more bad news as he confirmed that second-rower Sam Stone had pulled up with a hamstring injury in training.
On Stone’s absence, Burgess announced: “He pulled his hammy in training yesterday or the day before. He’s had a scan but we don’t have the results yet, he was just running too fast in training and he’s pulled his hammy.
“Hopefully it’s not a long one but the signs are that it might be four to six weeks, I’m guessing, but the way he reacted I don’t think he’ll be back after the bye.”
One man who is a concern from the game was stand-in full-back Josh Thewlis, seen to be holding his arm and shoulder for long periods, a knock that he picked up early on according to Burgess.
Burgess revealed that the young back was set for a scan after complaining of pain in his shoulder, though the coach added that he ‘should be okay’.
If Thewlis were to miss game time, Burgess confirmed that Lachlan Webster would be the man to replace him, however, he teased that Cai Taylor-Wray was one of three closing in on a return at some point in June.
Burgess explained: “I’m not so sure after the break but the weeks after we’ll start to see Cai (Taylor-Wray), Jimmy (Harrison) and maybe (Arron) Lindop as well.”
