Warrington Wolves squad depth analysis 2024, hookers

In theory at least, having three senior options means the squad is greater in quantity, but at what cost?

THE OPTIONS:

This area is where the key departure has come from, with Daryl Clark bringing his nine-year spell at the club to an end in order to join St Helens.

The Wire were keen to retain the England international, but the offer of a three-year deal and the chance to replace retiring icon James Roby proved too much for Clark to turn down.

Young hooker Aiden Doolan has also departed – he has moved to Australia for a spot in the pathways at South Sydney Rabbitohs.

The transition of Danny Walker into being a starting hooker began last year even before Clark’s departure became clear, but he has now assumed the number nine shirt fully and at 24 years of age, he could keep it for a long time.

Beyond him, The Wire have brought in two experienced dummy-halves for the new campaign – a move that has raised eyebrows among fans.

Brad Dwyer’s return to the club six years after leaving in 2017 was rumoured throughout the year before finally being confirmed.

It was a deal signed off by former head coach Daryl Powell before his departure in July, but now new head coach Sam Burgess has sanctioned the arrival of Sam Powell from Wigan Warriors.

That may not be a good sign for Dwyer’s prospects of significant first-team action, but he and others still have a full pre-season in which to make their mark.

Wire have signed Sam Powell and Brad Dwyer for the 2024 campaign (Image: Warrington Wolves)

FROM THE OUTSIDE:

Although primarily a middle-unit option, Jordy Crowther is more than capable of filling in at hooker if an in-game adjustment is required.

He did so on numerous occasions at Wakefield although with three senior hookers at his disposal, Burgess will be confident about not requiring any alternative options.

The same could be said for Stefan Ratchford, who has appeared as an interchange dummy-half on a few occasions.