Update on futures of out-of-contract Warrington Wolves pair

Youngsters Jake Thewlis and Wesley Bruines formed part of Sam Burgess’ first-team squad this year, the latter having joined from St Helens on a one-year deal with the option for a further 12 months during the last off-season.

However, the 21-year-old centre or back-rower has had an injury-plagued year, with two separate serious hamstring injuries meaning he has not been able to play for the club at any level this year.

As such, the Warrington Guardian can reveal that, by mutual decision, the 12-month option in his contract will not be activated and Bruines will now leave the club.

Wesley Bruines was unable to feature at any level for Warrington due to injuries (Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com) The professional deal signed by Thewlis – the younger brother of first-team star Josh – also runs out this month but like Bruines, the club hold an option in their favour to extend his contract by 12 months.

The outside back, who was named as the club’s Reserves Player of the Year in 2023, made his Super League debut during the Round 13 defeat to Wigan Warriors in June while he continued to play a part for the second string, scoring five tries in eight appearances for the reserves in 2024.

He will be sticking around, with the club understood to have activated their option to extend his contract by a further 12 months.

Jake Thewlis made his Super League debut against Wigan in Round 13 (Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com) Bruines joins Josh Drinkwater, Gil Dudson and Matty Russell in leaving the club upon the expiry of their contracts, with John Bateman also returning to NRL side Wests Tigers after his short-term deal with Warrington came to an end.

Second-rower Matty Nicholson is also leaving - he was contracted until the end of next season but NRL side Canberra Raiders have paid a transfer fee in order for him to join the club for 2025.