Warrington Wolves confirm pre-season fixture to honour former player

Warrington Wolves have confirmed a new pre-season fixture that will take place in early 2025.

We already know that they will be playing in Las Vegas early in the season, as they take on Wigan Warriors at Allegiant Stadium in March.

They’ll certainly be wanting to be up to speed by then, as a win would make for a truly memorable moment for the club.

Therefore, they will want their pre-season preparations to be as good as possible ahead of that major fixture – and they have now confirmed the latest update to those plans.

Warrington Wolves confirm pre-season fixture update

The club confirmed via a statement: “A youthful Warrington Wolves side will face Halifax Panthers in a pre-season fixture on Sunday 12 January.

“The Wire will take on the Championship side at The Shay, 3pm, with a squad comprised predominantly of Reserves and Academy players.

“The game will mark Halifax’s James Saltonstall’s Testimonial.

“Ticket information will follow in due course.”

Saltonstall emerged through the ranks at Warrington, but left the club to join Halifax without making a senior appearance. He has spent 10 seasons with the West Yorkshire outfit.

The game may be an opportunity for Leon Hayes to get back up to speed, if he’s fit enough to play, while it seems that it would also be another good opportunity for Cai Taylor-Wray to get more experience against a senior side under his belt, ahead of a 2025 season that could be huge for the young talent.

However, two players that won’t be playing are Alfie Mather and Pat Irwin, who have signed for Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup Down Under,

Back-rower Mather had been with Warrington for a number of years in their scholarship, academy and reserve sides, and largely plays in the loose-forward position, while Pat Irwin is a highly-rated young half-back.

As well as this game, a fixture against Widnes Vikings will take place – on the 17th of January.

There will also be a testimonial match for Toby King, although details for this are yet to be confirmed.