Leon Hayes aims to do Warrington Wolves number seven proud

However, he says he is just as eager to ensure he is not weighed down by any expectation that comes with wearing it.

The promotion of the homegrown scrum-half to the number seven jersey was perhaps the most eye-catching call from head coach Sam Burgess when the club confirmed their squad numbers for the 2025 campaign.

It is a move that has looked likely ever since Hayes made a sustained first-team breakthrough in the early stages of 2024, holding down a spot alongside George Williams before suffering a season-ending injury at Salford Red Devils in April.

Josh Drinkwater filled the void for the remainder of the season but with the veteran Australian being allowed to leave upon the expiry of his contract, the way was left clear for the 20-year-old Warringtonian to take the shirt many have expected him to for years.

“It’s massive and I’m really proud. For myself and my family, it’s a really big thing,” said Hayes, who skippered the club’s academy side before making his first-team debut in 2022.

“It’s good knowing that there’s that trust in me and support for me – it’s something I’ll never take lightly.

“Having said that, I just want to focus on my own game and do the best I can.

“I want to do the shirt proud but ultimately, it’s only a number at the end of the day.

“It doesn’t change anything when you’re on the pitch, but being trusted to wear it means a lot.”

Hayes with fellow academy graduates Adam Holroyd and Arron Lindop at the recent 2025 kit launch (Image: Joe Richardson/Warrington Wolves) As Hayes alludes to, being trusted with the number seven jersey does not mean an automatic place in the side.

Indeed, one of the club’s new signings – another diminutive pivot in Oli Leyland – will be just as eager to secure his spot alongside England captain Williams when the season begins following an impressive first Super League campaign with London Broncos.

Both will no doubt have their roles to play in a long season, but it is clear Hayes will embrace the competition Leyland will provide.

“From what I seen, he’s been really good at London and it went really well for him,” he said.

“I’ve not met him yet so it will be good to meet him and get him in and around the group.

“That competition is healthy and it’s what you need to get better every day.

“It really helps if you’ve got someone there who is just as hungry for it as you are, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Leon Hayes tackles soon-to-be teammate Oli Leyland during The Wire's win over London Broncos back in March (Image: SWPix.com) And by the looks of things, it will be a fully-fit Hayes that arrives for the first day of pre-season later this month.

Following the fracture dislocation to his left ankle, the aim was to make sure the youngster was fit enough to take a full part in preparations for 2025 – and that appears set to be the case.

“I’m flying – it’s all gone to plan up to now and I’m set for the first week of pre-season,” he said.

“I’ll keep respecting it and keep earning it each week but as things stand, I’m all set.”

Look out for the second part of our interview with Leon Hayes, in which he opens up about his injury and recovery, in the coming days.