Warrington Wolves have confirmed the signing of two forwards to long-term deals at the club as they build for the future.
Wire have seen young stars Max Wood and Tom Whitehead to guaranteed three and two-year deals with both deals having an additional 12-month option in favour of the club, potentially keeping the pair at the Halliwell Jones Stadium until the end of the 2028 and 2027 seasons respectively.
Wood signed a deal with Warrington at the start of the season as the Wolves swooped for him following his release from Wigan Warriors, whereas Tom Whitehead is one of the club’s academy graduates.
Both have seen game time limited due to the plethora of talent that Warrington boast in their forward pack but ages just 20 and 21, the duo have plenty to offer in the coming seasons, especially when developing under the guidance of one of the finest English forwards to ever live.
Warrington Wolves confirmed the deals via a statement that they published on their website.
It confirmed: “Warrington Wolves is delighted to announce new contracts for exciting young prospects Max Wood and Tom Whitehead.”
Warrington Wolves tie down two exciting talents
Credit: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Going into the details of the deals, the statement continued: “Wood has signed a three-year contract extension with a club option for a further year. The 20-year-old prop has impressed since joining from Wigan Warriors in the off-season and has made 11 appearances to date.”
Meanwhile, as for Whitehead, they added: “Whitehead has agreed a further two years with an additional 12-month club option. The 21-year-old made his first team debut in 2022 against Salford Red Devils having progressed through the club’s Academy system.
“He has made eight first-team appearances to date and scored his first senior try earlier this season against Leeds Rhinos. He has consistently played a role as 18th man this season as well as developing his game with loan spells at Widnes Vikings and North Wales Crusaders.”
Sam Burgess paid tribute to both men and noted the importance of keeping their youth, something that could be particularly important given that many of Wire’s forward pack are over the age of 30.
Burgess said: “It’s great to keep two young players with big potentials around for the next few years.
“Tom [Whitehead] is a fantastic young player with a smart rugby brain who is going to continue growing his game in the years to come.
“Max [Wood] has been a great story this year having come in on trial in pre-season last November. He got himself into great shape and has applied himself really well. He’s shown what he can do on the field and is a great character to have around the place.”
