Oli Leyland has all the tools and help needed to thrive at Warrington Wolves this season, says head coach Sam Burgess. Leyland made his competitive debut for Warrington this weekend in the Challenge Cup win over Whitehaven after making the move from London Broncos at the end of last season.
The half-back scored two tries in the 44-4 win in Cumbria to make an excellent first impression on those travelling fans and with Leon Hayes struggling with injury over pre-season, it seems he could be the man in the frame to start this weekend when Wire travel to Huddersfield Giants in round one.
He’ll be surrounded by experience in the Warrington spine and Burgess has certainly been pleased with what he’s seen from the 23-year-old.
“Oli is coming into a good environment in terms of, he’s got the England nine in Danny [Walker], the England six in George [Williams] and Matt Dufty around him in the spine,” Burgess said, speaking prior to the weekend clash. “Leon has had an indifferent pre-season with injuries so Oli has been in there and there’s also Stef Ratchford who’s an experienced player floating around the halves.
“So he’s had a couple of good guys around him and Martin Gleeson is a great attack coach, they’ve been spending a lot of time together developing some things. He’s got a good eye for the game and he’s added to our group and we’ve enjoyed having him around.”
Leyland is one of three off-season recruits made by Warrington Wolves, with Dan Russell and Alfie Johnson also joining the club. Johnson didn’t feature on Saturday but featured heavily in the club’s pre-season friendlies against Widnes Vikings and Leigh Leopards with two tries coming against the Championship outfit.
Given Johnson’s lack of rugby league experience after making the switch from sevens, Burgess will give the back time to develop and learn before throwing him in the deep end in Super League. The head coach expects to give him his opportunity before too long, though.
“He’s been brilliant, Alfie,” Burgess added. “I’ve really enjoyed what he’s brought to the club and he’s been a breath of fresh air. He’s not from the north, him and his little mate Oli Leyland are both from down south. They have different opinions on things and especially Oli, he’s a little character.
“Alfie is a great athlete. He’s only played a handful of rugby league games but you’d look at him and think he’s been around for a while, he’s a pretty natural player. He’ll definitely push through and play a few games.
“He has everything going for him so now it’s about being consistent and learning and being able to do it under absolute pressure now. He’s been a great pick up.”
📽️ 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 | All the tries from our 3rd Round Challenge Cup win over Whitehaven pic.twitter.com/sZeZYk1XtG
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) February 10, 2025
