Position: scrum-half

Date of birth: 04/03/2004

Heritage number: 1189

Previous club: Rylands Sharks/Bank Quay Bulls

Representative honours: Lancashire Academy

Warrington debut: vs Huddersfield Giants (A), substitute half-back, lost 38-36 on 29/08/22

Warrington-born Leon Hayes is a 5ft 5in pocket battleship of a scrum-half with a fine kicking game.

He played his junior rugby league with Rylands Sharks and Bank Quay Bulls before joining Warrington’s scholarship programme.

He made his Wolves debut as a half-time substitute for Stefan Ratchford at Huddersfield in August 2022, aged 18, with Warrington trailing 32-10 and almost inspired a memorable comeback victory. Hayes kicked three goals and produced a busy and confident display on an afternoon when Matt Dufty scored four tries.

Hayes made his full debut the following week, again kicking three goals, as Warrington ended a disappointing season with a 32-14 win at Salford.

He continued his rugby league education with North Wales Crusaders in 2023, playing in the Promotion Grand Final against Doncaster.

In November 2023, his progress was rewarded with squad number 18 for the 2024 season after previously wearing No39 in 2022 and No25 in 2023.