Betfred Super League 2025: Warrington looking to learn from failure in bid for elusive title

Just like the last one, the 2025 season for Warrington Wolves looks set to be a humdinger.

Having lost the Betfred Challenge Cup final to the Wigan Warriors and then been edged out in the Betfred Super League semis against Hull KR, Sam Burgess will be looking to lead his side to a first piece of silverware in his young career as a head coach.

And after getting their campaign off to a winning start on Saturday with a 44-4 win over Whitehaven in the Challenge Cup, the Wolves players can’t wait to get going in the Super League.

“We had a really good year last year, obviously it got cut short in the end, but we can be really proud of what we did overall as a team, the way we grew together on and off the pitch,” flying winger Matty Ashton tells Betfred. “Obviously, it’s something we’ll be looking to improve on this year.”

And utility forward Luke Yates, who joined from Huddersfield Giants midway through 2024, says their exit to Hull KR last October could help them in some senses in ’25.

“I think we learned a lot from that game against KR, and I think we’re going to grow a lot through the season,” the Australian adds. “We’ve identified a few key areas that we want to work on in the pre-season, so if we can get one, or two, or three per cent better, that’s going to put us in good stead for the rest of the season.

“What really impressed me once I got to Warrington was the quality of the young lads coming through, and what type of lads they are.

“It’s the next-man-up mentality at Warrington, if anyone’s out for any reason we’ve got lads there who are ready to go, who are probably disappointed to be missing out each week, so the depth of the squad is really, really good for us at the minute.”

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Hooker Danny Walker tells Betfred that there is great anticipation in the camp despite the gut-wrenching way their season ended last term.

“I think we’re at that point now where everyone’s just excited to play,” he explains. “Everyone’s buzzing for it. [Pre-season] has been really enjoyable though, I must say. We’ve come in and the skill level and the fitness levels of the boys has blown me away. It’s an exciting year for us, I think.

“I feel really confident. Every year we look at our team on paper and we’ve got a lot of stars in it. This year is no different. We’ve got a really good, strong pack. Luke Yates was only here for a few months at the end of the year, and he’s going to be like a new signing for us. Then you’ve obviously got George Williams and Matt Dufty doing their thing, so it’s really exciting.”

And Ashton emphasises that the direction from those at the top of the club is on point, making the values of the team, the club and the area key to the drive for success.

“The club’s run by very good people who care a lot for the club,” he says. “They’re massive fans and they know what the town’s about.

“I’m living there now and I’ve been learning a lot about the town and the people. They’re all really passionate and all we want to do now is bring success back to them because it’s what they deserve.”

The Wolves begin their Super League season with a trip to Yates’ old stomping ground on Sunday when they face Huddersfield Giants in round one at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Burgess’ side are 5/1 to finally win a first Super League title with title-sponsors Betfred, while they are a 4/1 shot for the League Leaders’ Shield.

After seeing off Whitehaven at the weekend, Warrington are 5/1 to win a first Challenge Cup since beating St Helens in the 2019 Wembley showpiece. In the top tryscoring stakes, Ashton is an 8/1 bet, second only to Wigan’s 7/1 favourite, Liam Marshall.

Ashton is also quoted in the Man of Steel running at 12/1, while key playmakers George Williams and Matt Dufty are both 16/1.

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