RHYS Evans has set his sights on more Warrington Wolves first-team appearances next year after an impressive debut against Halrequins RL in the final league game of the season.

The 17-year-old centre, who can also play winger or full back, moved from south Wales with twin brother Ben and their mum to pursue a professional career in rugby league with Warrington Wolves after being spotted in a 2005 national final.

Under 20s player of the year Rhys and Ben, who has also impressed in Richard Marshall’s table-topping Valvoline Cup side this season, are delighted with the support from the club and town.

And Rhys’ selection at the Twickenham Stoop is a milestone in both starlets’ careers and shows their move north was well worth their while.

“It was definitely a brave move,” said Rhys, who explained how the home of the Wolves suddenly became their home.

“Me and Ben got scouted from the national schools final in 2005, which was the Challenge Cup Final curtain-raiser.

“Peter Farrell (head of talent identification) and Brian Chambers (special projects officer) both contacted us and said they were interested.

“So at our young age (12) me and Ben had to make a decision.

“And our mum, being great like she is, backed it, put a lot of money into the move and we haven’t regretted it since.

“We started playing at Burtonwood Bulldogs under Gary Muldoon and then the Service Area, regional camps and progressed that way.

“At school, Great Sankey, we had a successful team as well, getting to national finals twice.

“And through it all everyone has been really helpful and supportive.”

Rhys admitted to growing more and more excited as he sat on the subs bench waiting for the call from Tony Smith to get his first taste of Super League action last Friday.

“I was excited before kick off and with waiting on the bench the emotions were building up,” he said.

His chance finally came 14 minutes into the second half, taking up his place on the left wing as Chris Riley switched to full back for substituted Richie Mathers.

“It was just great to get on and I did the best I can. I was pleased with my performance,” he said.

His first winding run of 20 metres saw Rhys beat two Harlequins defenders and it was a good way to settle into the action before doing some tougher work down the middle, taking on the big home forwards with as much as 13 years more experience than him.

And there was a nice touch from the travelling Warrington fans, too, who acknowledged the special moment in Rhys’ career and chanted his name from behind the sticks.

“I could hear the fans,” said Rhys.

“It was great to hear that support. They’re great fans of this club and it’s really nice what they did. I definitely feel very welcome and very wanted.”

He is not trying to set the bar too high at this early stage of his first-team career.

When asked what he would like to bring to the team when he gets another shot, he said: “I’m just hoping to bring some youth to the team. With youth comes passion and that’s all I want to bring.

“Hopefully, maybe next year I’ll get a few more games and just gel in quite quickly.”

It meant a lot to Rhys that his famil had made the joureny to London to see his debut.

“They had been really supportive all week and hopefully Ben’s time will come soon as well,” said Rhys.

The twins only started full-time training in June and are now back continuing their education in sixth form.

“It definitely made a difference training full time,” said Rhys.

“It was a new experience because we train three times per week with the Academy but from June we were training every day.

“There was six of us who joined the full-time training and we were made to feel very welcome, which helped.

“And leading up to the Harlequins game all the players were really supportive. They were just great role models, really.”

Rhys said Wolves are really keen for Rhys and the other up-and-coming stars to continue their education.

“The club is very supportive of that,” he said.

“John Bastian (director of youth development) is very keen on the youth players getting education.

“I’m currently at sixth form with my brother and Ryan Shaw (Academy player), taking Btech’s at the moment and hopefully that will get me some good A levels for my future career after rugby or if any injuries occur.”

It had been mooted within the club since June that Rhys would be given a first-team run before the end of the season.

Smith left it to the very last league game to give him the chance and was made up with the player’s display.

“I thought he was really good,” said Smith.

“I had every bit of confidence in Rhys before we went into the game and I’ve got a whole lot more now.

“His first run showed what he can do.

“What I liked about the kid was he had to take a couple of tough hit-ups and he did them with some gusto.

“He wasn’t scared and he took it straight into the teeth of them and stood his ground.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on the kid but I’m pretty sure he’s going to have a very bright future.”