HARVEY Livett has the confidence of his more senior teammates to step into the first team in Super League, head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith says.

The 19-year-old excelled during Tuesday’s 28-18 friendly victory over Widnes Vikings and scored a personal haul of 12 points, including a try and four goals.

Livett is comfortable in a number of positions and Smith says his performance at the Select Security Stadium was “sensational”.

The Wolves boss also revealed a link with Livett’s family that goes back to his own playing days.

“I played with Harvey’s dad when he had a short stint at Workington, but no favours there!” he joked after the Widnes game.

“I thought Harvey was man of the match by a long way. I thought he was sensational and looked class playing in two positions.

“He played at right centre and right half-back today but he’s probably more comfortable at loose forward, which he didn’t get a chance to do.

“If I threw Harvey in during the season, I reckon the senior players would have confidence in him to do a good job.

“That goes for the boys in the stand as well. They came down after the game and said ‘wow, what about Harvey?”

Livett signed his first full-time deal with The Wire in 2015 and won the under 19s’ player of the year award last season.

The Warrington-born youngster played his junior rugby with Rylands Sharks and has been capped by England at academy level.

Smith believes the 2017 season could see Livett, along with a few other young players, make a mark on the first team after gaining experience in playing with their older teammates.

“I had a chat with Harvey and he’s hoping that he gets a start this year. I’m hoping it’s sooner rather than later,” he said.

“He’s going to have some stiff competition in the position he’s in but that’s what we’re after.

“Games like this are a good experience for younger players and a chance for them to play with the more experienced guys. That sort of chance doesn’t come around too often.

“It’s good for the older guys as well and it increases their confidence in the young players.”