Will more follow Josh Thewlis through Warrington academy?

However, it is a role he is relishing and believes he and the other academy graduates currently in and around the Wire first team will soon be followed by plenty more.

Having debuted in 2019 as a 17-year-old, Thewlis is currently in his fourth season as a fully-fledged first-team squad member.

Josh Thewlis in action during his senior debut against Catalans Dragons back in 2019. Picture by Mike Boden

The full-back, who turned 20 on Saturday, is putting forward a strong case to make the number one spot his own with a series of excellent performances while deputising for Stefan Ratchford, who was first needed in the halves before suffering a quad injury.

And he believes the current crop of talent learning their trade under the watchful eye of Gary Chambers, Richard Marshall and Tyrone McCarthy in the age groups is an exciting one.

“The thought of players looking up to me is pretty surreal,” he said.

“Five years ago as a 15-year-old signing for Warrington, playing first team seemed so far away but it’s happened.

“I’m happy to be an example to the academy lads and the academy is massive at the minute.

“Myself, Riley Dean, Connor Wrench, Ellis Longstaff – we’ve all come through recently and it shows what the club is putting into it.

“I’ve watched the academy team a few times this year and there’s some real special kids in there.

“I’m one of many – hopefully those lads will come through and be held up as examples themselves in the future.”

While playing alongside Thewlis in the Wire spine in the past two games, half-back Riley Dean gave a glimpse of what the future could look like for the side.

He set up four tries and earned maximum Man of Steel points for his display in the win over Huddersfield Giants before crossing for his first try of the season during Friday's defeat to Wigan Warriors.

Riley Dean after scoring against Wigan. Picture by Mike Boden

He eventually succumbed to an eye injury against Wigan but having emerged through the academy with him, Thewlis says he knew Dean would take the chance to shine.

“Riley’s a class player,” he said.

“He’s not had many chances but hopefully he will start getting more now because that kind of performance is what you’ll get from him.

“Similar to myself, he always gives it his all.

“Playing with him is pretty special – we’ve played scholarship, academy, reserves and now first team together.

“We’ve played with each other now for the best part of six years and we link up well together.”

Riley Dean congratulates Josh Thewlis on one of his three tries against Huddersfield Giants. Picture by Mike Boden