Warrington Wolves has missed out on two important transfer targets thus far, therefore they are starting over with their recruitment ambitions.
According to the Warrington Guardian, the Wire have already begun the process of strengthening their pack for 2026 by acquiring Liam Byrne, who will depart Wigan at the end of the current campaign to continue his career at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
However, attempts to sign Matty Lees and Tom Amone haven’t been as successful, with Lees deciding to re-sign with St Helens while Amone is heading to Hull KR in 2026.
The transfer market isn’t very active right now, therefore the Wire is now searching for fresh targets. Even though there are several NRL players available, most players abroad are still more interested in their prospects in Australia than in UK deals. Many of the best players in the country, like Lees and Byrne, have already locked down their futures.
One player All Out Rugby League understands is in Warrington’s thinking is Liam Knight, who is currently contracted to Hull FC. The Australian joined the Black and Whites on a short-term contract and has impressed under John Cartwright since his move to Super League.
Knight is a player Sam Burgess knows well, having played with him in the NRL while the pair were at South Sydney Rabbitohs. It was reported last year that Knight even attended Burgess’ wedding in Rome.
Knight is a target for the Black and Whites next season, but they are currently facing a quota problem. They presently occupy all seven of their quota seats, and they have added James Bell from St Helens for the 2026 campaign, bringing their total to eight. Knight is the only quota player currently off-contract at the conclusion of the season, therefore they will have to cut a player in accordance with the existing regulations.
Regarding Warrington, their pursuit of Amone is the most obvious sign that the Wire are prepared to allow at least one of its quota players walk on at the end of the year. Paul Vaughan, Zane Musgrove, and Rodrick Tai are all nearing the conclusion of their current contracts.
According to Warrington sources, Knight is among a number of players they are considering as they weigh their options going forward. The Magic Weekend is proving to be a popular period for foreign agents to travel to the UK, and the Wire, like many other clubs, will be meeting with prominent agents in the upcoming weeks.
