A closer look at Warrington Wolves' 2022 squad numbers

The likes of Gareth Widdop, Joe Philbin and skipper Jack Hughes have all had changes of numbers which could indicate the kind of role the new head coach sees for them in his side.

Here, we take a look at what we might be able to read into this year’s squad numbers…

> Check out the full list of Warrington Wolves' 2022 squad numbers by clicking here

A CHANGE IN ROLES FOR HALF-BACKS?

Since his arrival ahead of the 2020 campaign, Gareth Widdop has worn the scrum-half’s number seven jersey.

Next year, however, he will switch to number six with half-back partner George Williams taking over at seven.

Much of Widdop’s NRL career was spent as a stand-off while Williams was primarily a scrum-half during his own stint Down Under with Canberra Raiders.

Many perhaps would have expected Williams to assume the number six shirt left vacant by Blake Austin, so to switch the half-backs around will no doubt raise eyebrows.

With the positions almost blending into one in the modern game, however, it is unlikely to result in too much difference to their on-field output.

Gareth Widdop and George Williams will wear numbers six and seven respectively. Picture by Mike Boden

FIRST-CHOICE WIDEMAN BECOMES CLEAR

Matty Ashton’s elevation to a top 13 shirt indicates he is in Powell’s mind as a starting winger alongside Josh Charnley.

The former Swinton Lions flyer has taken the number five shirt from Charnley, who will wear the number two next year following Tom Lineham’s departure.

Josh Thewlis got the nod over Ashton on many occasions last season under Steve Price, but it looks as though Ashton will start the season on the left wing.

If he can stay fit, he may well feature highly in the try-scoring charts in 2022.

> Take a look at our predicted Warrington Wolves 17 for Round One by clicking here

Matty Ashton will wear number five next year. Picture by Mike Boden

TIME FOR PHILBIN TO STEP UP?

For a few years now, Joe Philbin has been considered as The Wire’s next starting prop behind Chris Hill and Mike Cooper.

Now Hill has left for Huddersfield Giants after a decade of service, the number eight shirt he made his own has gone to the Warringtonian powerhouse.

He had created a bit of a niche for himself as a substitute and that continued to be the case for much of last season – he did start plenty of games at loose forward but his most impactful appearances came from the bench – so is Powell now trusting him to make the step up?

Joe Philbin has taken the number eight shirt left vacant by Chris Hill's move to Huddersfield Giants. Picture by Mike Boden

A MOVE TO THE MIDDLE FOR HUGHES?

The right edge second row position has had Jack Hughes’ name on it pretty much since he arrived back in 2016.

However, Oliver Holmes’ arrival from Castleford Tigers and his subsequent taking of Hughes’ number 12 shirt is the biggest sign yet that is about to change.

A move to the middle has been mooted for skipper Hughes, and he has popped up there in spells on a few occasions during the past couple of seasons.

Him being handed the number 13 shirt may well be a sign that this move could be something more permanent.

Jack Hughes will wear number 13 in 2022, with his previous number 12 being taken by new signing Oliver Holmes. Picture by Mike Boden