Can anyone stop Warrington Wolves in 2017?

Alex Yoxall

Warrington have been on the cusp of Grand Final glory since Tony Smith arrived at the club in 2009.

Unfortunately, the Wolves have slipped up in rugby league’s showpiece event on three separate occasions in the past but many believe that 2017 could be their year as they hunt a first top-flight title since 1955.

In years gone by, Smith has led Warrington to three Challenge Cup crowns and two League Leader’s Shield accolades but the Super League title has continued to elude their grasp. The likes of Lee Briers, Adrian Morley and Michael Monaghan all missed their opportunity to rewrite the history books but Warrington’s future looks very bright indeed.

The Wolves are one of England’s most successful clubs when it comes to bringing on young talent and Smith has always been open to handing debuts out in key contests. Joe Philbin, Declan Patton and Brad Dwyer have managed to blossom into first-team regulars after a number of impressive efforts whilst Jack Johnson and Sam Wilde are pushing for more games ahead of the new campaign.

Last season’s hero Chris Sandow has moved on but Warrington moved swiftly and sensibly in the offseason to sign veteran Kevin Brown from arch rivals Widnes Vikings. Not only will Brown bring a wealth of experience to the Halliwell Jones Stadium but he is still able to hold his own with the best players in the business.

Matty Blythe, formerly of the Wolves from 2007 to 2012, has rejoined Warrington ahead of the new campaign after Bradford Bulls’ financial struggles. If nothing else, his versatility will help Smith’s men throughout the year; Blythe is capable of playing at either centre or in the back row – and he still has time to mature into a top star in the coming years.

As of January 30th, Warrington’s preparations ahead of the new campaign seem to be going extremely well. The Wolves have defeated Widnes and partner club Rochdale Hornets in the last month and Smith’s side will be raring to go ahead of their opening weekend clash away at Catalans Dragons on Saturday 11th February.

With Daryl Clark tied down on a new deal and Matty Russell, Chris Hill and Stefan Ratchford performing at an elite level, the Wire are blessed with talent in key areas and it would be fair to claim that Warrington have the strongest squad in Super League.

Nothing is a given in Super League but Warrington will be quietly confident of finishing near the top of the table this season. The Wolves are a class above the majority of their rivals and perhaps only the Wigan Warriors can hinder Warrington’s chances of glory in 2017. With less than two weeks until the off, Tony Smith’s men are looking very strong as they look to finally get their hands on the Grand Final title.

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