After winning the Challenge Cup in 2019, Steve Price’s Warrington will be aiming for higher honours in the new Super League season.
KEY SIGNING
Gareth Widdop. The 33 year old English star is about to play his first Super League season and was until Sonny Bill-Williams signed for Toronto Wolfpack the biggest name singing for 2020.
Limited in their half back partnership in 2019 due to Kevin Brown season ending injury, the Wire will be hoping for more stability in the halves in 2020. Unfortunately Widdop will have to wait until round four to play his first game in the Primrose and Blue. He will be one of the favourites for the Man of Steel.
ARRIVALS: Gareth Widdop, Matty Ashton, Anthony Gelling, Keanan Brand, Samy Kibula.
KEY DEPARTURE
Bennie Westwood. The Wire cult hero brought down the curtain on his long Super League career. With over 400 league appearances, the second rower’s absence will be a big hole to fill in the middle of the park. Westwood had an aggressive playing style which earned respect from opposition sides. The likes of Ben Murdoch-Masila, Joe Phillbin, Jason Clark and SItaleki Akauola could plug that gap though.
DEPARTURES: Ben Westwood (Retired), Ryan Atkins (Wakefield Trinity), Lama Tasi (Sarina), Bryson Goodwin (South Sydney), Jack Johnson (Widnes Vikings), Kevin Brown (Salford Red Devils), Pat Moran.
SQUAD NUMBERS
1. Stefan Ratchford, 2. Tom Lineham, 3. Anthony Gelling, 4. Toby King, 5. Josh Charnley, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Gareth Widdop, 8. Chris Hill, 9. Daryl Clark, 10. Mike Cooper, 11. Ben Currie, 12. Jack Hughes, 13. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 14. Jason Clark, 15. Joe Philbin, 17. Jake Mamo, 18. Sitaleki Akauola, 19. Matt Davis, 20. Danny Walker, 21. Declan Patton, 22. Luis Johnson, 23. Luther Burrell, 24. Keenan Brand, 25. Samy Kibula, 26. Matty Ashton, 27. Ellis Robson, 28. Nathan Roebuck, 29. Josh Thewlis, 30. Riley Dean.
WHAT TO EXPECT
It doesn’t get much tougher with Warrington’s start to 2020. Playing Wigan to kick-off the season, then Grand Final winners St Helens, Wakefield Trinity, the new boys Toronto Wolfpack and Leeds before the end of February.
With Gareth Widdop missing the first three at least, it could be a tough ask.
However, if there’s any side that can find something when you least expect it, it’s Warrington. With the likes of Anthony Gelling, Josh Charnley, Daryl Clark, Stefan Ratchford and Blake Austin in their ranks, they still have the quality to produce the good, and then find a extra gear when it matters.
Its always their year, but will 2020 actually be the year of the Wolf?
PREDICTIONS
Leading Tryscorer: Josh Charnley
Leading Pointscorer: Gareth Widdop
Player of 2020: Anthony Gelling
