WARRINGTON WOLVES plan to stick with their current homegrown halfback partnership.
Burgess’ side earned an eleventh win from 13 Super League games by beating St Helens 18-6 – the first of three successive Thursday-night matches for the Wolves, who host fellow front-runners Leeds Rhinos this week (June 18) then Catalans Dragons on June 25.
A new halfback partnership between Ewan Irwin, 18, and Leon Hayes, 22, contributed significantly to that victory while Josh Thewlis, still only 24, was man of the match at fullback.
The form of Irwin in particular has been a boon with captain George Williams sidelined long-term by a neck injury, while fellow veteran Marc Sneyd now also finds himself sidelined.
“I think Leon frees him up a bit – Leon allows Ewan to have those moments,” said Burgess after the victory over Saints.
“Together they work very well. Ewan did some things well tonight – he kicked the ball very well and he took his moments well.
“But there are a number of parts to his game he won’t be happy about and needs to improve on. He’s 18 and only a few games into his career, so we can all live with that.
“I’m learning things can change very quickly so we’re not getting too carried away, but while they (Irwin and Hayes) are both healthy they’ll play together.”
Another youth product, Zack Gardner, made his first appearance of the season at centre but suffered a dislocated shoulder which will rule him out for the remainder of the season.
Max Wood, meanwhile, has been sent to Hull FC on a month’s loan despite many supporters calling for him to be given a run of games with Warrington.
The forward, who turns 22 later this month, has made 31 Wolves appearances but only four in the current season.
“With Max, there’s parts of his game that I’ve challenged him on,” explained Burgess.
“We’ve put a lot of time into Max over the last two-and-a-half years and it’s right that he’s well-liked by fans. He’s a great player and everyone can see that.
“This decision is for the good of Max’s development, to make him a better player in the long run for Warrington. Over time, the fans will hopefully understand that.”