Warrington Wolves Brace for Potential Departure of Matty Nicholson, Eyeing Adam Holroyd as Replacement
Warrington, UK
As the 2024 rugby league season unfolds, Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess is preparing for the potential departure of highly-rated forward Matty Nicholson to the NRL at the end of the year. However, the Wolves may not have to look far to find his replacement, with Adam Holroyd emerging as a capable option within their ranks.
Holroyd, a 20-year-old native of Halifax, has made a considerable impact since making his first-team debut for the Wolves in 2022. Under Burgess’ guidance in 2024, the young forward has featured in 10 of the team’s matches, showcasing his potential to become an established Super League player.
“I see him as a Super League player,” Burgess stated in his weekly press conference. “With the way he plays, he doesn’t hold back – sometimes, you have to pull him back. I’m thinking of him as a long-term player and we’ve got to be really careful we don’t over-use him.”
The potential departure of Nicholson, who is widely reported to be joining the Canberra Raiders next year, presents an opportunity for Holroyd to step up and fill the void. Burgess acknowledged that the “next man up” mentality could see Holroyd take on a more prominent role, but the Wolves are also considering bolstering their pack options through the transfer market.
“With Nicho maybe going, that would mean he (Holroyd) obviously sees more time in there. You could look at it that way, but we could also look to bring someone in,” Burgess explained. “Nicho’s still not told us he’s going yet. I’ve not given up on that one but if he does move on, Adz will fit right in. It is a long year, though, so we may look to bring someone in but it’s got to be someone with a little bit of quality.”
As the Warrington Wolves navigate the challenges of the 2024 rugby league season, the potential departure of Nicholson and the rise of Holroyd will undoubtedly be a key storyline to follow. With Burgess’ confidence in Holroyd’s abilities, the team may have found their next-generation talent ready to step up and make an impact in the Super League.
🔗 Source
