Josh Thewlis and Riley Dean, Warrington Wolves rising stars

The young guns' all-round performances were superb on a day when The Wire needed them to be.

Thewlis crossed for his first Wire hat-trick, while Dean had a hand in those scores and landed four conversions.

Just as importantly, they inspired the men around them with the energy and spark they brought to the team.

So here we're celebrating their performances in pictures, social media posts and fact files.

JOSH THEWLIS:

Josh Thewlis. Picture; SWpix.com

Full-back, age 19, DOB: April 30, 2002

I said it last time I was on here he’s the best rugby player in the world

— luke (@lxkeo4070) April 23, 2022

Wire playing record:

2022: Appearances 7+1 Tries 6 Pts 24

Sequence of Josh Thewlis' second try against Huddersfield Giants. Pictures: Mike Boden

2021: Apps 15 Tries 3 Pts 12

2020: Apps 2 Tries 1 Pts 4

2019: Apps 2 Tries 1 Pts 4

Total: Apps 26+1 Tries 11 Pts 44

Congratulations Josh. So proud of you. Great performance. Fantastic hat trick and well deserved Man of the match#Proud#Homegrown#Academygraduate#Squadbuilder #Oneofourown
👍😃💛💙

— Warrington Wolves Squadbuilder Supporters Trust (@WarrWolvesST) April 23, 2022

Fact file:

. Debut: Wire v Catalans Dragons, June 8, 2019

Josh Thewlis on his Wire debut in 2019. Picture: Mike Boden

. First player born in 21st century to represent The Wire in Super League when making his debut against Catalans Dragons on June 8, 2019

. Second youngest Wire debutant in Super League era when starting at full-back in the 34-4 victory against Catalans

. He was in the middle of a driving lesson when he received the call from previous Wire head coach Steve Price to say he would be making his debut

. His first try came on his second appearance against St Helens in August 2019, when he played his first game on the wing

Josh Thewlis celebrates his first try for Warrington Wolves against St Helens on August 8, 2019. Picture: Mike Boden

. Thewlis has achieved international honours with England Youth and England Academy

. He has now been on Wire's books for seven years

. Many think he is small for a full-back, but he is actually 6ft tall

. He hails from Oldham and came through the ranks at Waterhead Warriors

. His brother Jake plays for Wolves' academy team. They appeared together for Wolves in the pre-season friendly against Salford Red Devils, with Josh setting up two tries for his younger brother in the centres

. He is a former pupil of St Damians RC Science College in Ashton-under-Lyne

. His granddad on his mother's side, Paul Chadderton, played rugby league professionally with Salford

RILEY DEAN:

Riley Dean. Picture: SWpix.com

Half-back, age 20, DOB: August 10, 2001

What a mature performance from riley dean! Controlled the whole thing and kicking game was class. ⭐️

— Nathan Dillon (@Nath_Dillon) April 23, 2022

Wire playing record:

2022: Appearances 2 Goals 4 Pts 8

Riley Dean celebrates Josh Thewlis' hat-trick try against Huddersfield Giants he created with a grubber kick. Picture: Mike Boden

2021: Apps 0+1

2020: Apps 1 Tries 1 Pts 4

2019: Apps 1

Total: Apps 4+1 Tries 1 Goals 4 Pts 12

He's just a points machine
Give it to Riley Dean
He'll score a try or three
For the wires@WarringtonRLFC @_rileydean1

— Anthony (@ajd_1992) April 23, 2022

Fact file:

. Debut: Wire v St Helens, August 8, 2019

Riley Dean breaks a tackle on his debut against St Helens. Picture: Mike Boden

. Scored his first and only Super League try against Salford Red Devils in 2020

Riley Dean against Salford in 2020. Picture: Mike Boden

. Kicked his first Super League goals against Huddersfield Giants on Saturday

. He spent the 2021 campaign on a season-long loan with York City Knights in the Championship, although was recalled twice

Riley Dean playing for York City Knights in 2021. Picture: SWpix.com

. Dean went on loan to Dewsbury Rams last August

. He has international honours with England Academy and was the first captain of the Ireland under 16s team

. Last year he was included in the provisional Ireland Wolfhounds squad for the Rugby League World Cup which has been delayed until this autumn due to Covid 19

. Dean was named captain of the Wolves Academy team before its season was abandoned due to the coronavirus pandemic

. He attended Brooksbank School in Elland and was a member of their rugby team that became national boys under 11s champions in 2017

. Dean also played his junior rugby with Siddal, Halifax

Riley dean was awesome today , big up to the lad ,should be our starting half for the rest of the season more passion and commitment than widdops shown for the last 2 years. , well done young man👍

— Paul ginlin (@giblinpaul7) April 23, 2022

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