Cai Taylor-Wray signs long-term Warrington Wolves deal

Livewire full-back Cai Taylor-Wray has started the past two Super League games as Matt Dufty recovers from injury and has distinguished himself, scoring a stunning individual try against Castleford Tigers last month.

Now, the club have confirmed the 18-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a three-year professional deal to become a full-time member of the senior squad.

He will now be a Warrington player until at least the end of 2027, with the club holding an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months.

Yorkshireman Taylor-Wray joined the Wire scholarship side at the age of 14 and his potential has been a cause for much excitement within the club pretty much ever since.

> How Cai Taylor-Wray has jumped the queue to become Wire's heir apparent at full-back

Taylor-Wray touches down for his first Super League try in the recent win at Castleford (Image: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

He formed a key part of the under 18s side that reached the Academy Grand Final in 2023 and continued to play a key role in the academy and reserve teams this year, scoring 17 tries in as many appearances.

That led to a first-team debut in the Round 13 loss to Wigan Warriors in June and he has made three further senior appearances since then.

With his long-term future sorted, his aim is now to continue his rapid development.

“I’m over the moon – I’ve been here since I was 14 and it’s always been my main focus to play Super League and get a professional contract,” he said.

“Sam Burgess has been great with me – he’s encouraging and has shown he’s got confidence in me. I want to repay that now.

“I just want to keep doing my job now, show my ability and enjoy playing my rugby.”

Taylor-Wray’s memorable 2024 has also included an England Academy call-up, and he scored two tries for his country on home soil against France at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in July.

With Dufty’s injury set to keep him out for several more weeks yet, an extended first-team run seems likely and Burgess has challenged his young starlet to stay focused.

“Cai is a gifted and exciting young player with a big future ahead of him at this club,” he said.

“His attitude is spot on and he’s shown his abilities when given his opportunity in recent weeks.

“The challenge now is for him to stay focused, work hard, and keep pushing himself to grow his game.”

With Matt Dufty recovering from knee surgery, Taylor-Wray looks set for an extended run in the first team (Image: Neil Ashurst/P&B Pictures)