Warrington Wolves promote under 20s stars into first team squad

Ben Evans, Rhys Evans, James Laithwaite, Gareth O’Brien, Jamie Peasnell and Craig Harvey have all earned a promotion from Wolves' under 20s squad after showing the potential to make an impact in the first team squad.

They are all key members of the highly successful Wolves under 20s side, who currently sit at the top of the Valvoline Cup table.

Wolves head of coaching and rugby, Tony Smith said: "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.”

Four of the players, Ben Evans, Rhys Evans, James Laithwaite and Gareth O’Brien are products of the scholarship scheme and the Wolfpack set-up, coming through the junior ranks of the club to become key members of the under 20s side.

Jamie Peasnell and Craig Harvey joined the club more recently, but have given up their day-jobs in order to focus on the rigorous training schedule undergone by Wolves' first team squad.

Under 20s coach Richard Marshall is obviously delighted that his players are progressing to the next level.

He 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."

It is another example of how Warrington Wolves are looking to promote promising players from within their own ranks, growing the first team squad by providing it with homegrown young talent.

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.”