Warrington Wolves squad depth analysis 2024, second row

It is an area where a major new addition has joined the group and could well cause a reshuffle and a little bit of compromise…

THE OPTIONS:

Warrington beat off a number of clubs on both sides of the world to secure the services of Lachlan Fitzgibbon, the Australian who arrives with a glowing reputation.

Indeed, he finished his final days in the NRL with Newcastle Knights among the form back-rowers in the competition, helping his side to a spot in the play-offs.

Fitzgibbon joins a squad that had two clear first-choice back-rowers in Matty Nicholson and Ben Currie – and three into two does not go.

The new man has played the vast majority of his games on the left edge – a position that Currie has occupied for several years.

A move to the right would see him dislodge Nicholson, one of Super League’s finest young talents.

Does Currie drop out of the side? Does Nicholson move to loose forward? Either way, Burgess has a big decision to make in that area.

Beyond those three, youngster Adam Holroyd presents a viable fourth option having made a handful of senior appearances in each of the past two seasons.

He is highly-rated within the club and it is thought he could be one of the main beneficiaries of the new dual-registration agreement with neighbours Widnes Vikings – regular action at a good standard will no doubt aid his development.

With another well thought-of young back-rower in Nolan Tupaea also getting his first taste of life in the senior squad, things certainly bode well for the future.

FROM THE OUTSIDE:

Should an in-game adjustment be required, several of the team’s middle-unit players have been utilised on the edges.

Joe Philbin, who first emerged as a back-rower before moving into the middle, James Harrison and Jordy Crowther have all had spells there at different stages.

Toby King has also spent time in the second row during his Warrington career.