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Warrington coach explains overseas duo’s signings for 2027 as potential exits addressed Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess pictured ahead of a game in 2025 Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess insists there are no plans for any front-rowers to depart ahead of 2027 despite bolstering his ranks with two new props from Down Under. Earlier this week, Wire announced the signings of Mitchell Prest and Toby Crosby, both of whom have impressed at second-grade level this season in Australia. The pair follow on from the signing of experienced half-back Brodie Croft from fellow Super League outfit Leeds Rhinos. Prest and Crosby, both 23, will join an already congested pack: with only Joe Philbin known to be leaving the group at the end of this season as he joins London Broncos alongside centre Toby King. Warrington coach explains overseas duo’s signings for 2027 as potential exits addressed As things stand, the Australian duo will battle it out for a spot in Burgess’ side with Luke Yates, James Harrison, Toafofoa Sipley, Liam Byrne, Luke Thomas and Max Wood as well as youngsters Tom McKinney and Charlie McKler. Jordy Crowther could also be added to that mix, though covers a plethora of positions – as does Australian ace Yates, who will make his return from injury before the end of this season. Speaking ahead of Wire’s home clash against York Knights on Thursday night, Burgess – whose side currently sit fourth on the Super League ladder – explained: “We’re just bolstering. “We’re losing a couple of guys through the middle, so we’re adding a couple in. “We’ve got a few guys in the junior setup, too, that we love – but my short time as a coach tells e you need ten or 11 middle players to get you through a season. Otherwise, you end up falling short. “We’re just making sure we’ve got the right squad balance between positions, and these boys will add to that.” Notably, Philbin is the only exit confirmed from the pack thus far, with youth product Thomas and England international Harrison both off-contract but looking set to sign contract extensions alongside utility James Bentley. Amid a bit of confusion regarding his comment of losing ‘a couple of guys through the middle’, head coach Burgess was then asked to clarify whether Philbin’s departure was the only expected exit from his pack ahead of the 2027 campaign. He confirmed that was the case, replying, ‘yeah’. WATCH THE LRL PODCAST!