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Why Thewlis' new deal helps ease an oncoming dilemma for Warrington Wolves

matt turner
·2-min read
Josh Thewlis is now contracted to Warrington Wolves until the end of 2028 <i>(Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)</i>
Josh Thewlis is now contracted to Warrington Wolves until the end of 2028 (Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

WARRINGTON Wolves fans can count on seeing Josh Thewlis in their colours for a few more years yet.

The academy graduate winger has become the latest Wire player to commit his future to the club by extending his contract until the end of the 2028 season.

It means that, alongside fellow flyer Matty Ashton, the 22-year-old now has the longest deal of any current first-team player and his decision to sign one eases what looks like an incoming dilemma for the club.

Thewlis’ deal was due to run out at the end of the 2026 season, which is shaping up to be a key time of regeneration for The Wire as things stand.

The contracts of several key players including star half-back George Williams, full-back Matt Dufty and hooker Danny Walker are due to expire in November 2026, as is that of head coach Sam Burgess.

Forwards Ben Currie, Luke Yates, James Harrison and Lachlan Fitzgibbon are also due to come off-contract at the same time, although Harrison’s deal contains a 12-month extension option in the club’s favour.

It is an iceberg that is some way off in the distance at the moment but director of rugby Gary Chambers, who now heads up recruitment and retention at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, will no doubt be able to see it coming and will want to avoid going into that year with so many players’ futures still uncertain.

In the more immediate future, several first-team stars including Toby King, Paul Vaughan and Rodrick Tai among others are about to enter the final year of their deals and as a result of new rules, they are free to negotiate deals for 2026 and beyond as of now.

Warrington Wolves first-team squad contract expiry dates

(OP = 12-month extension option in club’s favour)

November 2025

Toby King, Connor Wrench, Paul Vaughan, Jordy Crowther, Zane Musgrove, Sam Powell, Stefan Ratchford, Rodrick Tai, Jake Thewlis

November 2026

George Williams, Danny Walker, Ben Currie, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Luke Thomas (OP), Joe Philbin, James Harrison (OP), Matt Dufty, Luke Yates, Tom Whitehead (OP), Oli Leyland, Dan Russell, Alfie Johnson

November 2027

Arron Lindop (OP), Daniel Okoro, Leon Hayes, Adam Holroyd, Cai Taylor-Wray (OP), Max Wood (OP)

November 2028

Matty Ashton, Josh Thewlis