Sam Burgess has confirmed that Warrington Wolves rising star Luke Thomas has ruptured his ACL and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Thomas was one of three youngsters who signed contracts with the club last month alongside 17-year-old centre Aaron Lindop and ex-Wigan Warriors Max Wood.
Lindop landed himself a four-year deal, whilst Thomas had signed a three-year deal keeping him with the club but Burgess confirmed to the media at today’s Super League launch that he’s been dealt a major injury blow.
Burgess explained: “Yeah he’s ruptured ACL so it’s sad news. He’s had a great pre-season so I’m gutted for him.
“We signed him for three years and we value what he brings, so it’s a challenge now just getting the right headspace and attack the rehab like he attacked his preseason he’ll be back.
“He’s got a great family so he’ll be okay, it’s part of it. You’ve got to try and take the emotion out of injuries, just accept them and give great energy to improving them. So we’ll help him with all of that, he’s got a great family so he’ll be back.”
Thomas had previously played six times for Warrington Wolves in Super League after debuting in 2022.
Warrington Wolves themselves also confirmed the news via their social media channels.
Sam Burgess offers Warrington Wolves injury news for Round One
Warrington Wolves captain Stefan Ratchford faces a race to be passed fit for round one. – Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxAllanxMcKenzie/SWpix.comx
With confirmation that Thomas will be out for the season, Burgess went on to address those who could be fit for round one when Warrington Wolves travel to Catalans.
Asked about the prospects of new centre signing Rodrick Tai and the club’s talented second-rower Matty Nicholson, Burgess provided an update.
Burgess explained: “I’m led by the medical staff but they’re not fit for round one.”
Two senior players who might be available for round one but face a race to be passed fit are Joe Bullock and Stfean Ratchord.
“Yeah they’re tracking all right I think. They’re close and they’ll be 50-50. They’ve not trained with the team yet so I need them to train for a week if they’re going to be up for selection,” revealed Burgess.
Burgess “happy” with tough away start
Sam Burgess will take his Warrington side to Perpignan for their first game of Super League this season. – Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com – Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxOllyxHassell/SWpix.comx SWP-2352-0001
Being one of the Super League sides that always carry high expectations, having a new rookie head coach and trying to bounce back from a hugely disappointing season creates plenty of pressure.
Therefore it could be assumed that a club would want a home tie where their fans can carry them home in round one. Not Sam Burgess though.
Warrington Wolves travel to Perpignan to face last year’s Grand Final runners-up Catalans Dragons and when asked about the fact it’s the toughest possible start, Burgess showed he was up for the challenge.
“Good, I’m happy with that. I think Leigh were brilliant last week in a trial, they came full of energy. Catalans are going to come with that plus a bit of physicality. It’s good, it’s great for us.
“Whatever the result, we’ll take something out of it, we’ll learn something as a group and I think that’s an important part of our year.”
Warrington take on Catalans on Saturday 17th February in the late kick-off, just after Wigan Warriors kick off the new BBC coverage against Castleford Tigers.
