The Warrington Wolves look to be ready to split ways with second-rower Matty Nicholson, according to rumors in Australia that the 20-year-old is on his way out.
Nicholson, who joined the Wolves from the Wigan Warriors midway through the 2022 Super League season, has been linked with a move to the NRL, specifically the Canberra Raiders.
If the second rower leaves, which three players could Warrington consider replacing him?
Johannes Bateman
During new Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson’s visit to Britain this week, he is being scouted by Super League clubs, and Wolves would be well to seize the opportunity. The second-rower has been one of Wests’ best players since joining Concord ahead of the 2023 NRL season, but for whatever reason, Richardson and his teammates appear to be surplus to requirements at the club. Bateman, 30, still has several years left in him and would form a formidable second-row tandem with Lachlan Fitzgibbon or Ben Currie.
Sam Stone
Sam Stone, who currently plays for Salford Red Devils, has established himself as one of Paul Rowley’s most consistent strikers. Salford fans consistently praise him for his line running and defensive abilities. Replacing Nicholson with an identical replacement would be difficult considering the 20-year-old’s size and physicality at such a young age, but Stone would undoubtedly be a strong offensive weapon for the Wolves.
Emmanuel Waine
Emmanuel Waine, a man-destroying ball, is yet to demonstrate his abilities with the London Broncos in the 2024 Super League due to injury issues. However, the Papua New Guinea international demonstrated his dominance in the Broncos’ pre-season friendly against the Castleford Tigers, throwing a number of Tigers defenders in both attack and defence. Waine is thought to be a gamble for Warrington manager Sam Burgess, but the latter isn’t afraid to take chances, and the 27-year-old might be a steal in the long run.
