The young Wire prop is set to debut at Hull FC this weekend.
Hull FC have signed Warrington Wolves prop Max Wood on loan.(Image: SW PIX)
Sam Burgess has challenged Max Wood to get ‘out of his comfort zone’ at Hull FC but has insisted the young prop remains part of Warrington Wolves’ long-term plans.
The 21-year-old prop forward has joined the Black and Whites on a one-month loan with Burgess stating the move will help the players development.
Making 32 senior appearances for Warrington since his 2024 debut, Wood has also had spells at Bradford Bulls, Midlands Hurricanes, Widnes Vikings, London Broncos and Oldham.
His move to West Hull was met with backlash from Warrington supporters on social media, particularly given Wood has made just four first-team appearances for the Wire this year. However, Burgess insists it is the right step in his development.
The Wire head coach said: “With Max, there’s parts of his game that I’ve challenged him on. We’ve put a lot of time into Max over the last two-and-a-half-years, and rightly so he should be liked by fans because he’s a great player, we can all see that.
“When he arrived at the club to where he is now, there’s a vast change. He looks like he’s ready to play first-team, there’s just parts of his game I want him to work on.
“Things not everyone has to understand or respect, but this is for Max’s development and to make him a better player in the long-run, and make him a better player at Warrington.
“The fans, hopefully overtime, will understand that. We’ve got a lot of time for Max, he’s on a long-term contract. We’re trying to develop our players the best we can and for Max to improve.
“The reserves level is not good enough for him, or the Championship as well. We’re getting him consistent first-team time, and playing more minutes is only going to make him better.
“I like the fact it’s at Hull – it gets him out of his comfort zone. he’s going to have to figure out a new schedule, and that in itself will make him a better player.”