Wolves promote young guns

WARRINGTON Wolves have promoted six young players to the first grade training squad.
Brothers Ben Evans and Rhys Evans, James Laithwaite and Gareth O’Brien are four of the talented juniors who have progressed through the scholarship scheme and the Wolfpack set-up (junior elite training squad). These four have also combined their rugby with the continuation of their education with Ben, Rhys and Gareth studying at Great Sankey High School, who have been very supportive with their Rugby League development. James Laithwaite continues his education at Priestley College.
The other two players promoted to the first grade training squad are Jamie Peasnell and Craig Harvey who have both decided to put their day jobs on hold, in order to utilise this opportunity to its full potential. Both players have shown a very strong commitment to training and playing whilst having to work long hours and accommodate travelling times into their schedule.
Director of Youth Development John Bastian said: “I’m delighted that the infrastructure at Warrington Wolves is promoting and progressing homegrown young players through our system. If these players continue to make the necessary sacrifices that are required at the highest level then I fully expect them to develop into future Super League players at the Wolves. The Club Board, staff and volunteers contribute and play a significant part in helping to develop and improve our young players. Developing and promoting our young players shows that the club is dedicated and committed to the Warrington Wolves youth structure which will provide us with a consistent flow of juniors for the years ahead.”
Wolves under 20s Head Coach Richard Marshall said: “From a coaching point of view, first and foremost these six players have a great attitude and are willing to learn and be educated. By going into Tony Smith’s coaching environment their learning will be accelerated which will help them develop as people and players. All six have excelled and developed in my team through the help and contributions of many coaches and conditioners. But, fundamentally, each player is good in their own right.”
Wolves boss Tony Smith added: “It is great to see some our young talent coming through. They have all earned the right to step up and gain experience with the first team. We look forward to working with them and hope that they take up this opportunity and remain at the club for years to come. They are a good bunch and have progressed well under Richard Marshall and are now ready to move up to the next level.”
Pictured at their training base at the University of Chester Padgate Campus, Warrington L-R: Rhys Evans (centre/fullback), Jamie Peasnell (prop), Craig Harvey (pivot), Richard Marshall, James Laithwaite (second row/loose forward), Ben Evans (back row), Gareth O’Brien (pivot)