JOSH Lynch will always remember his senior Warrington Wolves debut.

Having been given the chance to start on the wing at Huddersfield Giants on Monday, the 18-year-old marked the occasion by touching down for a first-half try.

It means he became the 20th different player to score a try for the club this year and he is one of eight academy graduates to have been offered professional terms for 2023.

And yet, Colwyn Bay native Lynch could have taken an altogether different sporting path – he represented Wales at junior Commonwealth level as a talented weightlifter.

He features in the first of our series of closer looks at the talented youngsters stepping up to first-team level as members of the academy coaching team give us the lowdown on the potential stars of the future…

Academy head coach Richard Marshall:

“He’s got a bit of X-factor about him – he’s got a lot of footwork, strength and speed.

“He’ll clear out a backfield – I know he’s only playing academy at the moment and reserve grade, but he skittles people with the ball.

“Positionally in defence, we’ve had to do a bit of work with him and he’s really improved in that area.

“He was a powerlifter, so he’s got that base of core strength. He excelled in that and he’s a well-rounded young man.

“He went to Kirkham Grammar near Preston, so he’s travelled an hour and a half to training three or four times a week.

“His family live in North Wales, so there’s another hour in that direction, but he’s always the first on the field and the last off it.

“If he gets his opportunity, he’ll light up that backfield and I think fans will really take to him.”

Warrington Guardian:

Lynch scores a try against Castleford. Picture by Joe Richardson

Lead scholarship coach/academy assistant coach Tyrone McCarthy:

“You’re excited to watch him carry the ball as you always feel like he’ll create something.

“He’s not the finished article but he’s given himself the best opportunity.

“He’s not afraid to reach out for help or advice, he’s always asking to do extras and hopefully he’ll thrive in the first-team environment because he has that mindset.”

Warrington Guardian:

Lynch touches down for the academy against Leeds earlier this year. Picture by Bob Brough

Head of youth Gary Chambers:

“He’s massively willing to learn. Kev Penny has been coming down for the odd session and Josh has been speaking with him about picking a few things up.

“We played Wakefield in a reserve game and Tom Lineham came up to me asking what his problem was as Josh was wittering all-sorts at him.

“At Castleford too, he picked out their biggest prop and carried the ball straight at him – he puts himself out there to be shot at.

“When we went to Warrington Youth Zone, he was the first one on the phone saying he wanted to give something back to those young kids even though he lives a good trek away.

“That’s what you get with him – a kid who’s totally and utterly invested.”