THE deadline for Super League clubs to add mid-season recruits to their squad is approaching, with any business needing to be done by Friday, August 2.

Warrington Wolves have already moved to bring Luke Yates’ move from Huddersfield Giants forward – and Sam Burgess has refused to rule out doing further business.

Yates was joining The Wire for 2025 but having paid the Giants an undisclosed transfer fee, the forward was allowed to make the move early and boost Burgess’ pack for the remainder of 2024.

The Australian took up the last remaining overseas quota spot in Burgess’ squad for this year, which has been vacant since Sam Kasiano’s pre-season departure, but the head coach insists salary cap space still remains for business to be done.

“We’ve got a couple of weeks yet and we’ve got a bit of space, so we’ll see,” he said.

“We’re actually under the salary cap by quite a bit this year. We’ve managed to improve some of our own players’ positions and still had the room to bring Yatesey in.

“The cap space wasn’t an issue at all.

“If you look at the players that have left the club this year – the likes of Sam Kasiano, Brad Dwyer, Gil Dudson, Matty Russell – it’s a big chunk of the salary cap and we haven’t really replaced any of them.”

Russell being mentioned as among the players to have departed hinted at a more permanent exit for the winger, who is out of contract with the club at the end of the season.

A loan deal with Leeds Rhinos expired last week and when asked to clarify the Scotland international’s current status, Burgess confirmed he would remain away from the club.

“He’s out on loan at the moment and I think he’s staying out for the year,” he said of Russell, who has featured just once for the Wire first team this year in between loan spells with Hull FC and Leeds.

“The deal’s not been done but I think that will be the case as he needs to be playing.

“We’ve got a couple of young kids occupying those spots at the moment, so the right thing for Matty is to get him out and get him some games. He’s had a tough time with injuries as well.”

Yates’ early arrival came as an unexpected but pleasant surprise, with the tough-tackling middle set to make his debut when Warrington travel to neighbours St Helens on Friday night.

Burgess explained how the opportunity for him to bring his move forward came about and gave more detail about what he expects the 29-year-old to add to his squad.

“I was speaking to him a little bit and felt it was a good opportunity to get him over. The two clubs managed to come to an agreement and it’s nice to have him on board,” he said.

“He trained today (Tuesday) and we’re hopefully looking to get him his debut this week.

“It wasn’t pre-planned as he was captain at Huddersfield and you don’t want to influence anyone else’s season.

“We had to respect his contract there but once we felt they were probably a tough chance for the finals – although it’s not impossible – and with (former head coach) Ian Watson going, we thought it would be better to get him here.

“He’s a great player and is very consistent. You know what you’re going to get from him.

“He’s a great bloke and a great professional, so he’s only going to add to our culture. We’re really grateful to secure him and get him over earlier.

“He’ll add to the group for sure. We’ll enjoy his consistency and professionalism, and he competes hard.

“Those kinds of players are invaluable and contribute to success.”

As previously mentioned, Yates takes up the seventh and final overseas quota spot in the Wire squad for this year.

Another of those spots is currently taken up by Josh Drinkwater – the experienced scrum-half whose time at the club appears to be coming to an end.

The 31-year-old is off-contract at the end of the year, with Burgess confirming salary cap pressures meant he is unlikely to be able to keep the Australian on.

“At the minute, we’re pretty tight on the cap for next year,” he said.

“I’ve inherited this cap so I’m just doing my best with what I’ve got.

“It’s tough to make it all work at times so as it stands, it’s going to be pretty tight for him.

“He’s been awesome. I’ve said openly before that I really enjoy being around him – he’s a good lad and a good character.

“He’s really enjoying his game at the minute and whenever he’s doing that, it makes me happy because that’s what it’s all about.”