LUKE Thomas’ ACL injury may well change Warrington Wolves’ plans for further recruitment for the 2027 season, Sam Burgess has admitted.
And having been looking for another forward to round out his squad for next year, he says he may not be tempted into further business.
With senior props such as Luke Yates, Toff Sipley, James Harrison and Joe Philbin having all spent time on the sidelines at various points this season, Thomas has emerged as a reliable middle-unit option during a sustained first-team breakthrough.
He has made 17 appearances this season, but the last of them saw him pick up the second ACL injury of his career having previously missed the entire 2024 campaign through the same injury in his opposite knee.
His absence will eat into 2027 and as such, The Wire are set to start the season with the same number of senior props as they did this – Joe Philbin is leaving to join London Broncos while new signings Mitchell Prest and Toby Crosby are arriving from Australia.
Those two along with half-back Brodie Croft are Warrington’s confirmed new additions, although the club are also set to sign centre Jacob Gagai from Huddersfield Giants pending an official announcement.
Burgess revealed he had only been seeking another second-row option to complete his recruitment, but admits Thomas’ injury may force a rethink.
“It does affect the squad depth as Thommo is a very reliable part of the group. It will play a little part,” he said when asked how his recruitment plans may change.
“There’s maybe one spot. Other than that, we’re nearly done.
“There’s things happening in the background as we’re maybe light in one area.
“It would be the back row – we’ve got some great back-rowers but I just think over the course of the season, we might be short of one.
“And with Thommo now, we might be short of another middle as well.”
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