Sam Burgess’ formidable Warrington Wolves potential starting XIII ahead of 2025

Warrington Wolves have a formidable squad and haven’t needed to make too many signings for next year.

Here’s what may be their strongest starting line-up for 2025.

Fullback: Matt Dufty

One of the best full-backs in the competition, Matt Dufty comes off the back of an incredible campaign and should be the undisputed starting number one next year.

Second in the league for combined tries and try assists last year, and comfortably top for metres made, he’s an unbelievable creative outlet – on top of his defensive capabilities.

Wingers: Josh Thewlis and Matty Ashton

No change here – two excellent try scorers that bring pace to the squad, as well as versatility, as both can play at full-back if Dufty is injured, although Cai Taylor-Wray was preferred last year in his absence.

Centres: Rodrick Tai and Toby King

One of the best centre pairings in the league no doubt, these two were amongst the best players full stop.

Tai wouldn’t have been seen by many as a potential to be this good, but him and King will surely be starters.

Halves: George Williams and Leon Hayes

An interesting proposition in the halves in terms of who replaces for Josh Drinkwater.

George Williams was always going to be a starter, but it seems they’re planning to trust young Leon Hayes again after an incredible start to the campaign was cut short by an ACL injury.

Oli Leyland is currently might just the understudy, but a capable one after a full season of starting in Super League under his belt.

Front row: James Harrison, Danny Walker and Paul Vaughan

Numbers 8, 9 and 10 in the front row, with no new names needed after an excellent 2024.

Danny Walker received particular praise last year, and will be hoping to keep that up after being given the nod in the Super League Dream Team.

Second row: Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Ben Currie and Luke Yates

Luke Yates has been given the number 13 shirt for next season, meaning he’ll likely move there, reverting to his natural position, despite largely being picked as a prop since joining the Wolves.

That moves Ben Currie into the second row alongside Lachlan Fitzgibbon, following the departures of John Bateman and Matty Nicholson.

New PNG recruit Dan Russell and Joe Philbin will likely be amongst players rotated in this role.

Bench: Zane Musgrove, Joe Philbin, Oli Leyland and Stefan Ratchford

A balanced bench that balances experience and youth, with a player able of playing in each position on the field.

Leyland covers the back positions that Ratchford has less experience in, and can fill in at hooker, while Musgrove and Philbin are versatile forwards.