Warrington Wolves are set to be without full-back Cai Taylor-Wray for over a month, head coach Sam Burgess has confirmed.
The full-back was a notable absentee in this week’s 21-man squad away at Huddersfield Giants this week, and the reason for his omission has now been clarified.
Having already missed part of 2026 with a hamstring injury, Taylor-Wray will now see further weeks on the sidelines after suffering a fractured hand.
The full-back returned to the side in Friday’s game with Wigan Warriors, but his comeback was cut short, as he was forced from the field leaving Josh Thewlis to shift from wing to full-back in his place.
Thewlis is set to remain in that position for around six weeks, with Burgess revealing the details of Taylor-Wray’s injury earlier today.
“He’s gone in for surgery today, he’s going to be out for an extended period of time, which is unfortunate,” the Warrington boss revealed, per LoveRugbyLeague.
The speedster’s injury is certainly a blow, and to add to that Warrington will be without another key man for even longer.
“[Taylor-Wray’s injury] is probably not as long as Jimmy [James Harrison], around six weeks, I’d say. It’s a similar injury but I think Jimmy had a bit more damage.”
Warrington Wolves overseas pair set for comeback
In more positive news, Wire could welcome back two of their off-season Australian recruits, in a boost that would come at a key time given the Challenge Cup semi-finals are just a week away.
Toafofoa Sipley was named in last week’s squad but didn’t feature in the win over Wigan, whilst Josh Smith has missed the last three matches.
Smith’s return is even more timely, with him being a top candidate to replace Thewlis on the wing if he continue’s in the full-back role.
“Toff’s in with a chance,” Burgess revealed. “I need to see him in practice today and see if he can get a job done.
“I’d have to leave out someone who’s fit and healthy and playing well, so unless he’s 100%, I’m not going to play him.
“He’s very close, he probably could have played last week.”
On Smith, the boss said: “Josh has got a chance this week, he’s done really well because he pushed himself hard in his rehab.
“There’s a bit more for him to get through today, but he’s in with a good chance without taking a risk.”
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