SEVERAL Warrington Wolves first-teamers have now entered the final year of their contracts with the club.

And as a result of new rules brought in earlier this year, discussions about new deals – either with The Wire or elsewhere – can be discussed and agreed immediately.

May 1 used to be the key date for players coming off-contract – from that day, players could agree moves elsewhere for the following year.

However, those discussions and agreements can now take place before the season starts after the date was moved forward to December 1.

That now applies to nine members of Warrington’s first-team squad – here is a look at the players now free to negotiate their futures…

PAUL VAUGHAN

Perhaps the highest-profile name on the list, speculation about the Australian prop’s future has dominated the off-season.

Rumours of a falling-out between Vaughan and head coach Sam Burgess refuse to die down, with many wondering if he had played his last game for the club as a result.

That does not appear to be the case, with the front-rower now back in England and taking part in pre-season training.

Vaughan turns 34 at the end of April but should he continue to be a top performer, tying him down will be more of a priority.

(Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

STEFAN RATCHFORD

The long-serving skipper signed on for another year back in July to take his Warrington career into a 14th season.

Nowadays, he plays more of a bit-part role but his versatility still comes in handy and he remains a key voice on the dressing room as club captain.

In terms of the future, Ratchford turns 37 during the season and whether or not he decides to carry on is purely down to him.

Whether that is with The Wire or elsewhere, however, will become clearer in time.

(Image: Joe Richardson)

TOBY KING

The bumper four-year deal King signed back in 2021 is coming to an end, and he will no doubt be one of the hottest properties should he wish to test the market.

A Grand Final winner during his 2023 loan spell at Wigan Warriors, an England international that is still the right side of 30 and remains one of the competition’s premier centres on his day, the man celebrating his Testimonial year in 2025 will not be short of suitors.

Warrington have plenty of encouraging young options at centre – Arron Lindop and Connor Wrench chief among them – whose pathways they will be conscious not to block, but allowing an experienced and proven operator such as King to leave would certainly be a risk.

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ZANE MUSGROVE

Having featured in every game he was available for during 2024, it was certainly a surprise when Musgrove was dropped for the Super League semi-final against Hull KR.

His first year in Super League was more steady than spectacular but with his future on the line, will we see more from him in 2025?

Still only 28, Musgrove will still feel he has plenty left to give. Like any overseas player, family matters will come into consideration but it will be interesting to see how he goes about earning his new deal, whether that is with Warrington or elsewhere.

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JORDY CROWTHER

So impressive were his performances upon joining on a short-term deal from Wakefield in 2023, Crowther earned himself a longer-term stay at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

The two-year deal he signed is coming to an end, so a decision needs to be made about what part – if any – he plays in their pack beyond this year.

The Yorkshireman is a real grafter and a player whose qualities are perhaps more appreciated by those in the dressing room than those on the terraces.

He turns 28 before the season starts so he is another with a few years left ahead of him, wherever they may be spent.

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SAM POWELL

A signing that wasn’t met with universal acclaim by supporters, Powell quickly established himself as a real leader within the group.

The hooker was the only play to feature in every single game in 2024 and his reliability on both sides of the ball make him a key man for Sam Burgess.

At 32, he is closer to the end of his career than the start but with Danny Walker attracting NRL interest and with hooking options coming through perhaps not as plentiful as other areas, do not be surprised to see Wire make a concerted effort to keep him around.

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RODRICK TAI

It is easy to forget that 2024 was the Papua New Guinean’s first full season of top-flight rugby league.

He quickly established himself as a fan favourite thanks to his powerful carries and defensive reliability, which included some highlight-reel hits.

Tai has plenty of competition for his spot in the Wire side and while the likely PNG franchise entering the NRL may appeal to him, that is not set to happen for a few years yet.

As things stand, it would appear as though securing his future is among the top priorities but like a few on this list, there may be a wait to see how the season progresses.

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CONNOR WRENCH

A player so highly thought-of within the club, Wrench’s attempts to realise his glowing potential have been beset by serious injuries – he is currently recovering from his second ACL injury.

He is not expected to be ready to play until around Easter time and with his position of centre arguably being Wire’s strongest in terms of depth, the Warringtonian is somewhat on the back foot.

As previously mentioned, however, there is real belief in the 23-year-old within the club and should he prove capable of staying fit for a long period of time, keeping him around will be a priority.

(Image: Joe Richardson)

JAKE THEWLIS

This is a more difficult one, although the younger brother of established first-team star Josh holds his fate in his own hands.

The club activated the 12-month extension option in his contract to keep him around for 2025, indicating they certainly see potential in Thewlis the younger.

A reliable performer at reserves level, he made his senior debut during 2024 and will be targeting more first-team games in order to secure his future.

(Image: SWPix.com)