THE Wolves were predicted for big things in 2025, but that turned into being nothing more than a damp squib.
Sam Burgess’ side did make it to the Challenge Cup Final, but they lost and finished outside the play-offs in eighth place.
Disruption reigned throughout the season – with Burgess constantly linked with the Perth Bears job from 2027 onwards, forward Zane Musgrove leaving under a cloud and Matt Dufty dropped for disciplinary issues – and that showed on the field.
Moving into 2026, Warrington fans will be hoping that those problems will have been left in the past as Burgess enters the final year of his contract.
Seven incoming signings will change the look of the Wolves’ side with big-hitters Kelepi Tanginoa, Liam Byrne, James Bentley, Toafofoa Sipley and Sam Stone joining outside backs Albert Hopoate and Josh Smith all set to vie for a starting spot.
12 players have also left the Halliwell Jones including Paul Vaughan, Rodrick Tai and Lachlan Fitzgibbon as Burgess rings the changes.
However, other teams around Warrington have also strengthened, making 2026 a very interesting one indeed for the Cheshire club.
One to watch
At both Wakefield and Hull KR, Kelepi Tanginoa was well known for his expert line-running and ability to break an edge defence.
That talent is something that Warrington have sorely lacked in recent seasons with coach Sam Burgess quick to identify his side’s weakness in such an area.
Tanginoa is devastating with ball in hand and brings an impressive offload so watch him link up almost seamlessly with half-back pairing Marc Sneyd and George Williams.
Talking tactics with Jodie Cunningham
2026 is a rebuild year for the Wolves with Sam Burgess bolstering his pack with recruits Toafofoa Sipley and Liam Byrne adding punch to the front row and James Bentley bringing some grunt and aggression to the back-row.
Despite George Williams not having his best season in 2025, he was often playing behind a beaten pack, but the new additions to the squad should provide a different dynamic to the attack allowing more opportunities in the middle and around the ruck for Williams to play off and for Cai Taylor-Wray to exploit with his electric pace.
If this happens, Marc Sneyd’s kicking game may then provide the cherry on top of a much improved season for the Wolves.
Potential milestones
Matty Ashton needs 11 tries for 100 for Warrington
Ben Currie needs 1 try for 100 for Warrington
George Williams needs 10 appearances for 350 in his career
Squad: 1 Cai Taylor-Wray, 2 Josh Thewlis, 3 Toby King, 4 Albert Hopoate, 5 Matty Ashton, 6 George Williams, 7 Marc Sneyd, 8 Luke Yates, 9 Danny Walker, 10 James Harrison, 11 Adam Holroyd, 12 Sam Stone, 13 Ben Currie, 14 Sam Powell, 15 Toafofoa Sipley, 16 Liam Byrne, 17 Jordy Crowther, 18 Ewan Irwin, 19 Leon Hayes, 20 James Bentley, 21 Luke Thomas, 22 Joe Philbin, 23 Arron Lindop, 25 Max Wood, 26 Josh Smith, 27 Jake Thewlis, 28 Oli Leyland, 29 Zack Gardner, 30 Tom McKinney, 31 Ben Hartill, 32 Ewan Smith, 33 Tommy Rhodes, 34 Kelepi Tanginoa
Ins: Toafofoa Sipley (Manly), Liam Byrne (Wigan), Albert Hopoate (Canberra), James Bentley (Leeds), Josh Smith (Brisbane T), Sam Stone (Salford), Kelepi Tanginoa (Hull KR)
Outs: Paul Vaughan (York), Ryan Matterson (Parramatta), Nolan Tupaea, Zac Bardsley-Rowe (both released), Stefan Ratchford (retired), Alfie Johnson (Halifax), Dan Russell (Bradford), Dan Okoro (Halifax), Rodrick Tai (Central Queensland), Tom Whitehead (Hull KR), Lucas Green (Keighley), Matt Dufty (South Sydney), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (South Newcastle)
RLW predicts: 8th
First published in Rugby League World magazine, Issue 517 (February 2026)