The Warrington Wolves have moved to strengthen their forward pack by signing two young Australian props, Toby Crosby and Mitchell Prest, on deals that will see them arrive ahead of the 2027 Super League campaign. Both players are 23 and will join Wire on two-year contracts, the club confirmed on Monday.
Young forwards with reserve-grade experience
Crosby and Prest arrive with experience at reserve grade in the NRL system. Crosby's pathway includes time with the New Zealand Warriors reserves and the Penrith Panthers second string, while Prest has spent time in reserve football for the Canberra Raiders before moving to the Mackay Cutters, where he has made 15 appearances this season.
The signings form part of Warrington's early recruitment for 2027, following the addition of half-back Brodie Croft. Head coach Sam Burgess has signalled a focus on recruiting young, developing forwards who can be moulded within the Wolves' environment.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve had the ambition to play professional footy in England and the approach from Warrington made me consider it as the next step of my career,”
The words above are from Crosby, who said the opportunity to work under Burgess was a major factor in his decision to move to England. Burgess described Crosby as a young front-rower with the physical attributes and desire to improve that Warrington want to nurture.
What the signings mean for Warrington
Bringing in two props who have come through Australian development pathways is a clear statement about the club's intent to refresh its forward options without relying solely on domestic recruitment. For supporters at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and across the town, the arrivals promise fresh competition for places in a pack that remains central to Wire's identity.
- Age: Both players are 23.
- Contract length: Two-year deals, starting in 2027.
- Background: Crosby – Warriors and Panthers reserve sides; Prest – Raiders reserves and Mackay Cutters (15 apps in 2026).
| Player | Age | Previous clubs (reserve/feeder) |
|---|---|---|
| Toby Crosby | 23 | New Zealand Warriors (reserves), Penrith Panthers (NSW Cup) |
| Mitchell Prest | 23 | Canberra Raiders (reserves), Mackay Cutters (15 apps in 2026) |
Local reaction to overseas signings is usually mixed: fans want immediate impact but also appreciate long-term planning. These acquisitions are framed as developmental additions rather than marquee, high-cost transfers. That fits a recruitment strategy aimed at cultivating talent who can grow under a coaching regime familiar with building forwards into consistent performers.
Questions ahead
There are practical questions for Burgess and his staff to answer over the coming seasons. How quickly will Crosby and Prest adapt to Super League? Which current squad members will feel direct pressure for places? And how will the Wolves balance giving game time to developing imports while meeting the short-term demands of league position and local expectation?
What is certain is that both players come with pedigree from respected development programmes. Crosby's involvement in the Warriors' and Panthers' systems means he is used to structured pathways and competition for first-grade places. Prest's recent run of matches for the Mackay Cutters suggests he arrives match-fit and accustomed to consistent game time.
For Warrington, a city long proud of its rugby league tradition, the signings continue a pattern of looking to both home-grown and international talent to keep the club competitive. The 2027 season remains some way off, but the early additions give locals something to discuss before the new campaign begins.
Supporters will want to see pre-season integration, reports on fitness and adaptation, and ultimately whether these two young forwards can make the step up to the physical demands of Super League and become regular contributors to Warrington's front row.
