WITH no further additions to the Warrington Wolves squad for 2024 expected, we are putting together a series of pieces assessing the squad’s depth in each area of the field.

In the first piece, we take a look at the outside backs – the area in which most of the recruitment has been done for Sam Burgess’ first season in charge.

THE OPTIONS:

Among the 34 players given squad numbers by Burgess, 12 are bona fide outside backs playing across the positions of full-back, winger and centre.

They include new signings Rodrick Tai and Wesley Bruines as well as the returning Toby King and youngsters Josh Lynch, Jake Thewlis and Zac Bardsley-Rowe.

Matt Dufty, Josh Thewlis, Stefan Ratchford, Matty Ashton, Connor Wrench and Matty Russell remain from the outside backs available from 2023.

The selections in two of the positions look pretty set even at this stage – Dufty appears likely to resume as first-choice full-back, with Josh Thewlis providing back-up.

Reigning Super League Young Player of the Year Thewlis is expected to step back into his natural position when Dufty’s time at the club ends, but for now he looks set to remain on the wing, while Matty Ashton is among the first names on the teamsheet on the other flank.

Warrington Guardian: Matty Ashton, scorer of 20 tries for The Wire in 2023, has established himself as among the first names on the teamsheetMatty Ashton, scorer of 20 tries for The Wire in 2023, has established himself as among the first names on the teamsheet (Image: Mike Boden)

However, the centres represent more of a quandary with stocks having been refreshed.

After a stellar 2023 on loan at Wigan, it would be a big surprise if King did not take up one of the spots, leaving PNG international Tai, club captain Ratchford and popular homegrown talent Wrench as the most likely options for the other place.

FROM THE OUTSIDE:

Another potential centre option could lie in the shape of Ben Currie.

The second rower last started a club game in the centres in 2022 during a 40-8 loss at Catalans Dragons but performed well in the outside backs for England recently, scoring a try and setting up another during the 26-4 win over Tonga at Headingley.

With increased competition for his regular back-row spot, Currie may find himself moved wider more often in 2024.

Warrington Guardian: A back-rower by trade, Ben Currie impressed in the centres for England in their third Test win over Tonga earlier this monthA back-rower by trade, Ben Currie impressed in the centres for England in their third Test win over Tonga earlier this month (Image: SWPix.com)