Warrington Wolves recruitment analysed after breakthrough campaign

After flattering to deceive for a number of seasons, Warrington Wolves looked more like the real deal last year.

Sam Burgess’ first season as a head coach saw the Wire compete with the very best all season, just missing out on silverware as they fell on the wrong end of a Challenge Cup final that probably came a couple of months early for them, and on the wrong end of an epic semi-final clash against Hull KR.

Now, as they look to solidify their place in Super League’s elite, we analyse their incoming business so far.

Warrington Wolves recruitment analysed after breakthrough campaign

Oli Leyland

One of the competition’s rising stars, this signing was rumoured for a long time before being confirmed.

He now has a full season as a starting Super League half under his belt, and he was ever-present in London Broncos’ Super League and Challenge Cup campaigns.

He looked good alongside Jack Campagnolo, and will likely be up against Leon Hayes to earn the starting berth next to George Williams in the halves. The club confirmed their squad numbers and Hayes was handed the number seven so it seems he’s the favourite for the gig but Leyland will certainly push his fellow youngster and help drive standards.

Dan Russell

An interesting signing for the Wolves, the second-rower joins an already stacked pack.

Russell arrives as a quota spot signing, replacing the vacant spot left by Josh Drinkwater’s exit. His arrival in the pack comes after the departures of young star Matty Nicholson and the experienced John Bateman, so it could be seen as slightly underwhelming since Russell is a player who has only ever made eight first-grade appearances, with them all coming for St George Illawarra Dragons in 2023.

Replacing two excellent players like that was never going to be easy, but what Russell does bring is 6 foot 4 worth of muscle.

Alfie Johnson

The 23-year-old cross-coder has spent most of his career playing rugby union and sevens – where he has played for England and GB – but will be hoping to make his professional rugby league debut this year.

An outside-back, he scored four tries for Leeds Rhinos reserves against Castleford Tigers reserves in 2024 and has an incredibly high ceiling.