Warrington Wolves: Star set for debut and George Williams decision made by Sam Burgess

Warrington Wolves will aim to repeat their massive Super League victory over London Broncos when they face the same opponents at home in the Challenge Cup on Saturday, but Sam Burgess’ side will once again be without England captain George Williams.

Williams missed out last week in the 58-4 victory and seemingly his absence wasn’t felt with the Wolves running in ten tries on their way to an easy day out in the capital.

Two men secured hattricks in Matt Dufty and Josh Thewlis whilst Adam Holroyd scored a brace but it was Stefan Ratchford who took the plaudits with a standout performance in the halves that saw him break a Super League record.

Ratchford notched up nine out of ten kicks but the kick that he missed crucially was the conversion that would have set a new world record for the most consecutive goal kicks. As it is, he remains level with Rhyse Martin but he can still celebrate that he broke Martin’s Super League record.

The veteran looks set to feature again with George Williams still seemingly dealing with his “niggle” in his ankle whilst Josh Drinkwater also misses out.

That will likely leave Williams paired with young star Leon Hayes once again with a spine completed by Danny Walker who returns and Matt Dufty, who has just signed a new contract extension keeping him with the club until the end of the 2026 season.

Other big names that are absent include Ben Currie and Lachlan Fitzgibbon but there is a major boost in that Rodrick Tai could be set to make his debut for the club with Matty Nicholson another playing returning to the fray.

The squad in full can be seen in the tweet below or at the bottom of the article.

📋 Our 21-man squad for Saturday’s sixth round Challenge Cup tie

Rodrick Tai and Matty Nicholson are set to make their first appearances of the season 🐺 pic.twitter.com/d9mX7esbV3

— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) March 21, 2024

“Electric” Dufty signs new deal after incredible start to the season

Matt Dufty has certainly been one of the best in Super League this season with the Australian leading the way so far in try contributions, six scored and five assists, whilst also topping the metres and carries charts.

He tore London apart last week with almost 250 metres as he ran a rampage on his way to a hattrick which has taken his Warrington tally to 25 in 41, and he looks well set to extend that following this new deal that will keep him at the Halliwell Jones Stadium until the end of the 2026 season.

Wire announced the news via their website with the following statement: “WARRINGTON WOLVES IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT MATT DUFTY HAS SIGNED A NEW CONTRACT EXTENSION KEEPING HIM AT THE CLUB UNTIL THE END OF THE 2026 SEASON.

“Our electric full-back has been in red-hot form in the opening rounds of the season, leading the way in Super League with 11 try contributions by crossing six times and setting up five. He is the competition’s top metre maker with 933m and has made the most tackle busts in with 46.”

Dufty himself added:“I’m excited to extend my stay at the club.I’m really enjoying my time here at Warrington and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“Sam [Burgess] and Gleese [Martin Gleeson] have been massive for me this year. They get me involved in the game and the way they’ve got us attacking this year has really suited me.

“I think here at Warrington we’ve got some of the best fans in all of sport. They’re passionate and hopefully we can make them proud.

“I’m starting to feel a lot more mature in my rugby league and I’m excited now for the years to come.”

He could now add to his incredible season tally after being named in the 21-man squad to face London on Saturday.

Warrington Wolves 21-Man Squad

Matty Ashton
Joe Bullock
Jordan Crowther
Matt Dufty
James Harrison
Leon Hayes
Adam Holroyd
Toby King
Arron Lindop
Zane Musgrove
Matty Nicholson
Joe Philbin
Sam Powell
Stefan Ratchford
Rodrick Tai
Josh Thewlis
Paul Vaughan
Danny Walker
Tom Whitehead
Max Wood
Connor Wrench