AN 18-year-old prop tells of his emotion when finding out about his new full-time contract with Warrington Wolves.

Pat Moran has been promoted from the Academy to the first-team squad with immediate effect.

“I got a phone call off my agent and I was over the moon,” said Moran, a former Wigan St Judes player.

“I was at college when I got the call. I was in shock. It was a bit emotional.”

Making the move to the next level has been Moran’s aim since arriving at the club.

“I’m loving my time here and have done from the start,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to getting more experience and learning new things - different ways to play - from the first-team players.”

And he says young players being presented with an opportunity in the first team, with 18-year-old half back Morgan Smith being the latest, has been inspiring for him.

“The young lads getting their chance now gives you something to kick on to,” he said.

“I want to achieve first-team standard too and these are the players I aspire to be like.”

Moran praised the work of the coaches he has served, including current under 19s head coach Lee Briers.

“Lee has been brilliant as a coach at U19s – someone to look up to,” he said.

“All the coaches I’ve had at Warrington have had an input into where I am now.

“ I’m looking forward to working under Tony; it’s like a dream come true. I’ve watched him coach but to now be coached by him, I’ll be taking this opportunity with both hands.”

And what can The Wire fans expect from him when he is called on in the first team?

He said: “I’m a physical player. I like going down the middle. I can use my hands and I can pass. Actually I like to think I’m bit of a halfback but I’m not at all (laughs).”

Moran joined the Wolves’ scholarship at under 15s level.

He spent last year with the under 19s academy and has stepped into a number of reserves games this season, earning himself terms until November 2018.

Head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith said: “We are delighted to welcome Pat to the next level.

“He is another fine example of our successful player pathway at Warrington Wolves.

“The number of players who we now have breaking through from the academy and making the first-team squad is fantastic.

“He’s working hard and developing well. That hard work has been recognised and the offer of a full-time contract has come along.

“I am sure he will grasp that with both hands. He’s got a really promising future and this gives him a chance in a full-time environment to kick on and get to the next level.”

Phil Jones, head of youth, junior recruitment and development, added: “I am delighted for Pat and his progress to a full-time contract with the first team, this reflects the hard work and desire to improve which he displays at training.

“Every year since joining us he has made improvements which shows his attitude and the support he’s received both initially at his community club and then with the Wolves’ coaches.”