PRE-SEASON training is often one of the biggest chances for young players to make their mark.

With senior players either working their way back from post-season surgery or enjoying extra time off following internationals, academy graduates are often called upon to supplement the main group.

Things are no different at Warrington Wolves this year, and new head coach Daryl Powell is impressed by what he has seen from some of his younger charges.

As well as nine players currently in rehabilitation after going under the knife, four of The Wire's established stars who represented England last month will start to filter back over the next week.

England Knights skipper Danny Walker is expected to rejoin training on Monday with Mike Cooper, Ben Currie and Joe Philbin – all of whom featured in England's Test win over France – are set to follow next week.

Half-back Gareth Widdop is in Australia spending time with his family and will not report back until the new year.

"There’s a few of the England boys who aren’t in," Powell said.

"Danny Walker comes back in on Monday and the guys who played in that France test will get a little bit more time as is right.

"It’s given me a chance to have a look at the younger players, and there’s some class ones at the club.

"Part of my coaching structure is to make sure these guys come through – it’s really important."

Academy graduates featured more and more during last season, with the likes of Josh Thewlis, Ellis Longstaff and Connor Wrench enjoying breakthrough seasons.

Indeed, Longstaff and Wrench impressed enough to be called into the England Knights squad that faced Jamaica, with the latter then being drafted into the senior group as cover for the France game.

Of the club's promising crop of young talent, Powell is particularly taken by former Woolston Rovers and Crosfields junior Wrench.

Connor Wrenchs potential is exciting new head coach Daryl Powell. Picture by Warrington Wolves

Connor Wrench's potential is exciting new head coach Daryl Powell. Picture by Warrington Wolves

"Connor Wrench is one who stands out there as a young player with so much potential," he said of the homegrown centre.

"He’s had a look at it but it’s about making sure he grows into the player he can really be.

"Matty Ashton is another one – he is exciting, that kid. I’m looking forward to seeing him in play.

"He can be anything he wants to be, that’s for sure."

Matty Ashton during pre-season training. Picture by Warrington Wolves

Matty Ashton during pre-season training. Picture by Warrington Wolves