Warrington Wolves squad depth assessed following latest signings and contract renewals

Sam Burgess’ Warrington Wolves had a disastrous 2025 season, going from a third placed finish with the best defensive record in the league to an eighth placed finish and over double the amount of points conceded compared to 2024.

The end of the campaign couldn’t come quick enough for the Wire faithful, with the club losing eight of the last nine games to end the season.

Things were looking up at the club, with Tongan international Tevita Pangai Jr joining from Catalans, however this week he has confirmed he will not be playing for Wire in 2026, and has cancelled the deal.

Someone who will be at the club next year is James Bentley, who joins the side on a one-year deal following his release from Leeds Rhinos.

Furthermore, five players have also extended their contracts, with Salford Red Devils loanee Sam Stone making his move a permanent one.

However, there is plenty of work that needs to go into the Wolves if they are to get back to competing at the top. Some key positions in the squad lack quality depth, and that is a problem with less than a week to go before their pre-season gets underway.

One thing Wire have done well is promote the youth, with many players joining the senior squad after being promoted from the academy.

There are plenty of up-and-coming talents in the Wolves set-up, and it could be that the club are hoping to give them a more prominent role in the season ahead.

With Bentley’s signing and those five new contracts confirmed, we’ve had a look at how Warrington’s squad currently stacks up.

Every Warrington Wolves player’s contract status ahead of 2026

Full-backs: Matty Dufty (2026) and Cai Taylor-Wray (2027)

It looks as though youngster Taylor-Wray could be the first choice full-back next year after taking the number one shirt, with Dufty being linked with a move away.

Full-back is where Warrington lack depth the most, especially in the backs, and if Dufty does move on, they’ll be extremely short of options.

Josh Thewlis has covered the position before, and is probably the best equipped to fill in if needed, however another versatile signing in the backs wouldn’t go amiss.

Wingers: Jake Thewlis (2027), Matty Ashton, Josh Thewlis (both 2028) and James Duffy (unknown)

The younger Thewlis brother, Jake, was one of the quintet who signed new deals, with his future confirmed for another two years.

Older brother, Josh, and Matty Ashton will remain first choice, but in him and James Duffy, the club are looking to promote more youngsters into the first-team setup.

Ashton is currently recovering from an ACL injury, and whilst he should be back for the start of the season, it could see one of the youngsters given a chance a the beginning of the campaign.

Centre: Toby King (2026), Albert Hopoate, Josh Smith, Arron Lindop (all 2027) and Zack Gardiner (unknown)

King announced he was staying put for another 12 months, with Albert Hopoate set to pair him as first choice. The recruit of Josh Smith from the Queensland Cup gives depth options, whilst youngsters Lindop and Gardiner will look to continue their development and hope for more Super League opportunities.

Lindop, though, picked up an ACL injury this season, but with his coming later in the year, it is unclear as to if he will be ready in time for the February start date.

Halves: Marc Sneyd, George Williams, Oli Leyland (all 2026), Leon Hayes (2027) and Ewan Irwin (unknown)

Youngster Hayes was set to be first-choice in 2025, before a lengthy injury put an end to that notion. The club brought in Marc Sneyd in March of this year, and whilst he hasn’t been at his best in primrose and blue, is almost guaranteed to be a starter, alongside captain George Williams.

However, Wire have two incredibly promising talents in Hayes and Ewan Irwin, who is currently impressing on the club’s academy tour of Australia. If either of the two experienced halves aren’t firing, then the club have two very promising talents they can utilise.

Props: Luke Thomas, James Harrison, Joe Philbin (all 2026), Toafofoa Sipley, Dan Okoro, Liam Byrne (all 2027), Tom McKinney (unknown)

Pangai Jr’s exit leaves them with even shorter depth in the front row than they already were. Wire currently have seven props in the ranks, with only four of those established at Super League or NRL level. Compare that to Grand Final winners Hull KR, they have nine front rowers in their squad and at least five of them can be classed as Super League ready.

Three of the seven are out of contract at the end of this year, so Burgess and Warrington need to see this position as their biggest priority, and need to bring some big bodies in as soon as they can.

Hooker: Sam Powell (2026), Danny Walker (2029) and Ben Hartill (unknown)

Powell was another who recently extended his contract, and will once again provide back-up to Danny Walker.

Walker, who has a long-term deal at the club, wasn’t at his best in 2025, but to be honest, none of the Wire players were. If Wire are to have an improved season, then Walker will be one of the key men leading them forward.

Second-row: Ben Currie, James Bentley (both 2026), Sam Stone, Adam Holroyd, Max Wood (both 2027) and Ewan Smith (unknown)

Having gone from Ben Currie as the only senior back rower in the squad at the start of the week, the signings of Bentley and Stone mean that the club are more well-versed in this position.

With three experienced forwards, two of which will be playing for a contract next year, it brings healthy competition, whilst fringe players Holroyd and Wood can add in their contributions too.

Loose: Luke Yates (2026) and Jordy Crowther (2027)

Another position where Wire seem light, the loose forward role has been somewhat complex. Luke Yates was used as a prop in 2025, with Currie playing 13. However, neither of those are their natural positions. The re-signing of Crowther is a good depth option, but it still feels like another Yates-like forward, one who can play prop or loose, is needed for 2026.