Opinion on Warrington Wolves' prop search

That may surprise some on the outside looking in because on the face of it, they are about where they were in that department.

Two out, two in – Joe Bullock and James Harrison have been signed from Wigan Warriors and Featherstone Rovers respectively, Chris Hill and Sitaleki Akauola have moved on.

Chris Hill has left The Wire to join Huddersfield Giants

Add to the equation that Harrison is unlikely to play until well into next year following ACL reconstruction surgery, however, and the stocks are a little lighter.

Even though the equilibrium has technically been maintained, there is a strong school of thought that The Wire were a middle player light during 2021.

Looking at Daryl Powell’s options in terms of established front-rowers for the start of next season as it stands, much will once again depend on the ever-reliable Mike Cooper.

It remains to be seen whether Joe Philbin will make as big an impact from the start as he does from the bench, then there are solid options in Bullock and Robbie Mulhern and up-and-coming pair Rob Butler and Eribe Doro.

However, you get the feeling they need more.

What separates them from the likes of St Helens and Catalans Dragons is that giant, monster prop who will dominate defences in the way Alex Walmsley and Sam Kasiano do for the above clubs.

Alex Walmsley has played a key part in St Helens run of three Super League titles in a row. Picture by SWPix.com

They are believed to be looking for such a player but going out and finding the right man is much easier said than done, particularly when many of their rivals are looking for the very same thing.

Their search is likely to take them overseas – Super League clubs will not want to release their top players without significant recompense in the form of a transfer fee, something which may prove difficult for a club trying to build itself back up after being financially battered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

There are overseas quota spots to work with – as it stands, Warrington have filled only two of their seven available spaces.

Peter Mata’utia joins and Jason Clark is expected to stay for another year, but Greg Inglis, Blake Austin, Jake Mamo and Akauola have all moved on.

However, bringing in the calibre of player they need from the NRL would come at a great cost and with their two marquee spots seemingly allocated to George Williams and Gareth Widdop, it will have to take a hefty chunk out of their salary cap.

And even then, they are likely to be fishing in a pond filled with unproven players on the fringes of first teams and those in the autumn of their careers.

Looking in those areas can bring success, but also its fair share of flops.

Put all of that together and you have a minefield but one you feel Warrington must negotiate successfully if they are to avoid more disappointment.