Can the Warrington Wolves rise from the ashes of a disastrous 2025 season? It’s a question that has left fans and critics alike scratching their heads. For much of the year, head coach Sam Burgess wore the weight of the world on his shoulders, searching for answers that seemed perpetually out of reach. His leadership was thrust into the spotlight as the team’s performance crumbled following a heart-wrenching loss to Hull KR in the Challenge Cup Final. The aftermath was brutal—just four wins out of 14 Super League games, including a humiliating defeat to a struggling Salford Red Devils side. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it poor strategy, bad luck, or something deeper that led to their downfall? And this is the part most people miss—despite the chaos, Burgess insists there’s a silver lining.
The atmosphere at the stadium hit rock bottom on a dreary August night, with Burgess himself feeling the strain of a season marred by injuries and inconsistency. Yet, he remained steadfast in his belief that the team would emerge stronger. As they gear up for a fresh start, Burgess is doubling down on this optimism.
‘It might sound odd, but I think we did a lot of good things last year,’ he reflected. ‘We showed real grit in the first half of the season, but when the tide turned, we were left empty-handed. Low numbers and a lack of resilience took their toll. Still, I believe those challenges taught us valuable lessons about staying healthy and consistent. It’s given us a solid foundation for this year.’
Burgess’s first year as head coach was a rollercoaster, and now he’s experienced both the highs and lows of the role. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Could the addition of Steve McNamara to the coaching staff signal a shift in dynamics? Some speculate McNamara might eventually replace Burgess, but for now, his role is to support the younger coach.
‘Steve and I go way back,’ Burgess shared. ‘We’ve known each other since I was 15 or 16. His experience is unmatched—he’s one of the most-capped Super League coaches. He’s filled some of the gaps I’ve had in my early years. But we still have work to do.’
McNamara’s impact won’t be fully realized until the season begins, but pre-season reports are promising. Burgess has taken a ‘back to basics’ approach, swapping overseas camps for military-style drills. ‘We’re focusing on consistency,’ he explained. ‘We’re working on fundamentals like catch and pass, tackling technique, and building stronger foundations. Steve’s organization and experience have been invaluable.’
The squad has been bolstered with new signings like Kelepi Tanginoa, James Bentley, Albert Hopoate, and Josh Smith, addressing last year’s weaknesses. Burgess is confident this group can turn things around in 2026. ‘We’re happy with the squad,’ he said. ‘Last year was chaotic with constant changes, but this year feels more stable. We’ve built trust, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve.’
So, what do you think? Can the Wolves truly rebound, or is their struggle far from over? Let us know in the comments!
