Warrington Wolves 2023 Season Preview

The year of 2023 could be a season of redemption for Warrington, but there’s not so many people asking the usually question when it comes to the Wolves pre-season this time around.

The question, is it to be their year? Well, after a disappointing 2022 that saw them record their lowest league finish ever in the Super League era, not many people will back them to compete at the top of the table once again.

The club was in disarray no more than 5 months ago, facing a relegation battle and with their manager on the brink. The board however, has stuck with Daryl Powell, as they believe he is still the right man to take them forward, and to win their first ever Super League title.

There has been wholesale changes for Warrington during the off-season, out with the old and in with the new. Well actually, if you look at the average age of the clubs Winter arrivals, it’s out with the old, and in with the old. Could Powell be banking on short-term success for now to kickstart a culture change within the club?

Nevermind the age of the new transfers, almost every one of them has a very high pedigree, and they do look like excellent signings. One of the new boys is actually returning for his second stint with the club, Matty Russell has been speaking to the media about what it means to back playing for the Wolves:

“I’m really delighted obviously, it’s a little strange being back but I was really happy once we got it over the line.

“I can’t wait to get back on the field, it’s probably the best ground I’ve played at the fans are unreal. When you get them behind you it’s like having an extra player.

“Regardless of what happened last year we need the fans behind us and on side, it will be the key to our success.”

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Last year, Powell had a full pre-season at the club, but it was his first. Getting to know everyone whilst trying to implement your strategies is not an easy task to conquer. This year he has much more time with the players and staff to really nail down what he wants from them.

Warrington’s pre-season has been underway for a while, Russell helped shed some light on how it has been going so far:

“We’ve took on board what the coaches have been telling us, having a good pre-season is again really key to having a good season.

“We’ve been working on our skills and combinations, and not only that we’ve just been bonding really well with each other, becoming a tight group.

“The Aussie boys have been really good, they look so sharp and everyone will tell you training has been so good. It feels like there’s a new lease of life at Warrington.”

Regardless of last season’s performances, Warrington still have an excellent squad, and will still get large numbers inside the Halliwell Jones stadium. With Powell’s first season jitters out the way, the club should only be on the up.

Many people will be optimistic that with the new arrivals, the play-offs can once again be a realistic aim. Last season wasn’t as much of a downfall, more of a major blip of underperformance. It is obvious to see what Powell is trying to achieve at the club, and despite a shocking first season in charge, the fans should still be looking forward to what could be an exciting year.

Arrivals;

Sam Kasiano (Catalans Dragons), Paul Vaughan (Canterbury Bulldogs), Josh McGuire (St George Illawarra Dragons), Gil Dudson (Catalans Dragons), Josh Drinkwater (Catalans Dragons), Matty Russell (Toulouse Olympique)

Departures;

Oliver Holmes (Leigh Leopards), Jack Hughes (Leigh Leopards), Gareth Widdop (Castleford Tigers), Matt Davis (Leigh Leopards), Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards), Jason Clark (Limoux Grizzlies), Toby King (Wigan Warriors, loan), Ellis Longstaff (Salford Red Devils, loan), Riley Dean (Featherstone Rovers, loan), Jacob Gannon (Leigh Leopards)