Warrington Wolves squad depth analysis 2024, middle unit

“Packs win matches” is a phrase often used within rugby league circles, so here’s a look at what Sam Burgess has to choose from in the middle unit.

THE OPTIONS:

In effect, The Wire’s middle unit stocks remain the same in terms of numbers when compared to the group that finished last season.

Thomas Mikaele has left to return to Australia following the end of his short-term comeback and has been replaced by Zane Musgrove, a former teammate of Burgess at South Sydney who arrives from St George Illawarra Dragons.

Jordy Crowther, who finished the season impressively having joined for the short-term from Wakefield Trinity, is now a permanent member of the squad while Joe Philbin celebrates his Testimonial year in 2024.

They join Paul Vaughan, James Harrison, Joe Bullock, Sam Kasiano and Gil Dudson as senior middle-unit options.

Paul Vaughan will no doubt play a key role in the middle unit once again in 2024 (Image: Mike Boden)

Former academy team skipper Lucas Green is now a full-time member of the first-team squad, with fellow youngsters Luke Thomas and Tom Whitehead making up the group.

However, doubts persist about the futures of two of the senior props, with the club believed to be open to the idea of both Kasiano and Dudson leaving the club.

If both stay at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, they may end up finding themselves down the pecking order and with work to do in order to break into the side.

FROM THE OUTSIDE:

When Lachlan Fitzgibbon’s signing was announced, with it came news that Matty Nicholson was being earmarked for a move to loose forward.

A lot of water has flowed beneath the bridge since then – Daryl Powell has been replaced and a more specialist loose in Crowther has been signed – but giving Nicholson the number 13 shirt suggests it is still very much on the table.

New signing Sam Powell has also been touted as potential loose forward cover.

Could Matty Nicholson operate more at loose forward during 2024? (Image: Mike Boden)