Can Sam Burgess make history at The Wire in 2025?
- Super League Raw
- Feb 8
- 5 min read
Considered by many as the most improved team of 2024, Sam Burgess, in his first year as head coach of the Warrington Wolves, transformed the squad from underachievers to Challenge Cup runners-up and Super League semi-finalists. While he takes pride in his team's effort and the impressive performance of having the best attack and defence last season, Sam is determined to achieve even greater success in 2025:
"That's a good stat but it didn't win us anything, but it puts you in good position to win trophies. We need to double down on that and convert it into something the club can hold on to." Sam Burgess
Warrington has not been as proactive in recruitment this season compared to previous years, resulting in a greater number of departures than arrivals, including Dan Okoro, who is out on loan. The departure of Matty Nicholson to the Canberra Raiders represents a significant setback for Burgess, particularly the right edge defence of the Warrington Wolves, where Nicholson recorded 793 tackles with an impressive efficiency rate of 93.7%.
In the ever-evolving tapestry of back row forwards, Dan Russell may step in to fill the void left by Nicholson. Arriving from St George in the NRL, this PNG international boasts a formidable presence. Yet, he shall face fierce competition from Adam Holroyd, a talent forged in the fires of Warrington's academy, whose brilliance in 2024 is still etched in memory—who could overlook his man of the match display at the champions' last year? Additionally, the promising Tom Whitehead is poised for further growth, having showcased his prowess at 13 against Widnes in pre-season. Let us also keep a keen eye on the emerging England Academy international, Nolan Tupaea, a name destined to resonate.
"Keep your eye on George Williams, he has had a good pre-season, he looked good last season but there is something different about him this year." Sam Burgess
Big Sam just fired a shot across the bow, signalling that England's Captain is gearing up for a showdown in 2025! In 2024, Williams dazzled us with his finest moves since joining the Wolves in 2021. His chemistry with Matt Dufty? Pure magic—like the ultimate Punch and Judy duo! With 19 assists, ranked 6th in Super League. But the real jaw-dropper? His fearless runs, racking up 422 carries for a whopping 2097 meters, with only Mikey Lewis and Brodie Croft outperforming him from half-back. The Wolves are crossing their fingers that Williams hits the rewind button on his epic season this time around!
So near yet so far for Matt Dufty in the race for man of steel, as injury struck to curtail his charge. Dufty gained respect from around the league as the best full back in the competition with a debut Dream Team selection. As he looks ahead, Dufty aims to improve his tackle efficiency, which currently stands at 74.4%, a figure that aligns with his peers. Additionally, he seeks to reduce his total of 25 errors. However, it is important to note that his overall statistical performance was nothing short of outstanding last year, featuring 17 tries, 19 assists, 165 tackle busts, 24 clean breaks, and 458 carries, resulting in a remarkable total of 4,234 meters at an impressive average of 9.24 meters per carry. Ric Flair would undoubtedly exclaim, "Whooo!"
The Wolves have been invigorated by Danny Walker's choice to stay loyal to his hometown club, having gracefully declined the allure of the Canberra Raiders to ink a contract that will bind him to the HJ until 2029.
"I would never forgive myself if Warrington were to win the Grand Final during my career and I wasn't playing 9"
Warrington Wolves are cooking up a storm with a bunch of rising stars set to shine this year! Take Arron Lindop, for example—this 18-year-old wonder (he turns 19 in March, mind you) is packed with talent, a killer frame, and skills that scream future international superstar! The only hiccup for the Wire fans? There’s a little worry that his bond with Sam Burgess might lure him off to the NRL when Sam heads back to Oz. But hey, that’s a worry for tomorrow! For now, let’s kick back and enjoy Lindop’s epic ascent this season!
Leon Hayes has been awarded the number 7 shirt previously held by Josh Drinkwater and is eager to return in March to demonstrate his skills on the field. Cai Taylor-Wray made a significant impression in the Super League last year with a remarkable try at Castleford and is focused on furthering his development this season. Matt Dufty is actively assisting the coaching staff to ensure that Taylor-Wray is well-prepared to succeed him when the opportunity arises. Both Hayes and Taylor-Wray are promising talents, as highlighted by Gary Chambers in an exclusive interview with Super League Raw:
"We are backing our young talent, it is vitally important to the long term success of Warrington that we don't block their pathways to the first team."
The other two newcomers to the Wire are Oly Leyland and the lesser-known Alfie Johnson. Leyland, a name that resonates, dazzled the crowds with his prowess for the London Broncos last season. At just 23 years of age, he embodies the essence of a modern half-back—swift, agile, and a maestro of in-play kicking, capable of executing flawless 40/20s and soaring spiral bombs. As for Johnson, he epitomizes the ideal winger, standing tall and fleet-footed, leaping like a gazelle, with an innate sense of where the try line awaits. It seems that Josh Thewlis will face formidable competition this year. Both athletes have graced the field in the Wolves' pre-season matches—let us revel in their talents by diving into the highlight reel from the Widnes game:
The Warrington Wolves boast a roster poised to vie for glory as the season unfolds. With a harmonious blend of youthful vigour and seasoned prowess, the squad shines brightly, especially with the presence of Matty Ashton. The England International electrified fans last year with his most prolific scoring performance, eagerly preparing to contend against talents like Liam Marshall for the coveted title of top try scorer this season. What better way to stir excitement for the adventures that lie ahead than to revisit the magical moments he crafted last year?
During 'Super League Raw Weekly' the panel assessed the Warrington Wolves squad ahead of the new season, watch their debate here:
It is sure to be another nail biting year for the Primrose and Blue.
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