Warrington Wolves have confirmed that they have signed young prop Max Wood whilst handing out three and four-year contracts to Luke Thomas and Arron Lindop respectively.
It’s an impressive showing for the club who are clearly signifying their intent to build something long-term at the Halliwell Jones Stadium with the three players aged just 21, 19 and 17.
The club shared news of the deals via their website with the arrival of Max Wood being yet another signing made under the reins of new head coach Sam Burgess.
Wood joins following a trial in pre-season after being released by Super League champions Wigan Warriors, the prop signing on a one-year deal with an option in the club’s favour. He’s slated to wear the number 34 shirt in 2024.
Meanwhile, they’ve handed a three-year contract to Luke Thomas which keeps him at the Halliwell Jones Stadium until 2026, with the club once again having the option to trigger another year.
Thomas has had Super League experience having played six times for Warrington Wolves in the elite competition so far, debuting in 2022 under Daryl Powell.
The third and final deal that Warrington announced is perhaps the most exciting with a four-year deal being handed to 17-year-old centre Arron Lindop tying him down till 2027, with yet another year added as an option for the club.
His rise through the academy has been impressive enough for the club to hand him a first-team deal which will see him don the number 33 shirt in 2024.
All three are set to feature as Warrington Wolves take on Widnes Vikings in a pre-season clash on Friday 26th at the Halliwell Jones.
Warrington Wolves building for the future
Warrington Wolves have signed Max Wood (left), and extended Arron Lindop (centre) and Luke Thomas (right). Credit – Warrington Wolves.
With these signings the club are clearly looking forward, with the club statement even highlighting it as a “display of faith in youth”, and they’ve got the perfect man in Gary Chambers to guide their youngsters.
Chambers took over as interim head coach following Daryl Powell’s sacking in 2023 and the former school teacher helped guide the club to the playoffs during his time in charge.
With the arrival of new head coach Sam Burgess, it’s meant that Chambers has taken on a new role becoming the director of rugby.
As such that means he oversees all operations at the club and he will have no doubt had a heavy hand in signing these three talented youngsters, given his former role saw him as Head of Youth.
On these new deals, Warrington Wolves Head Coach Sam Burgess said: “We’ve been able to add Max [Wood] to our squad for 2024. His attitude since joining us in pre-season has been up to our standard and he’s a valued addition to our pack.
“Thommo [Luke Thomas] is another great player with a great attitude and has lots more growth in him. Securing him on a long-term contract is fantastic for our club.
“Arron [Lindop] is a promising young player from our own Academy system. We value what he brings and look forward to seeing his progression over the next few years.”
What could Warrington Wolves look like under Sam Burgess?
Warrington confirmed their squad numbers way back in November with the club having done plenty of their transfer business early such as the signing of forward Lachlan Fitzgibbon and centre Rodrick Tai.
That duo have been handed the 12 and 14 shirts respectively with centre Tai unable to displace club captain Stefan Ratchford or returning loanee Toby King from the traditional centre numbers of four and three.
The club handed Sam Kasiano the number 21 but his release means that the shirt is now vacant and with a quota spot now available they could well make a move there.
But right now, what would Sam Burgess’ likely starting 13 look like for when the Super League season starts?
Matt Dufty would clearly start at full-back forming a backline featuring the tried and trusted Ratchford and King ahead of Tai, whilst young wingers Josh Thewlis and Matty Ashton would play on the outside.
A half-back pairing of George Williams and Josh Drinkwater would work in tandem with new first-choice hooker Danny Walker following Daryl Clark’s move to St Helens.
The forward pack is where questions are asked though with the club having plenty of talent among their forwards.
Dream Team member Paul Vaughan would start alongside James Harrison with stalwart Ben Currie partnering with new signing Lachlan Fitzgibbon in the second row.
Matty Nicholson has been handed the number 13 but new signing Jordan Crowther has more experience in the loose forward and there could be a pre-season battle for that position.
