STEVE Price says a number of Warrington Wolves’ younger players have put themselves into contention for a more permanent spot in the first team.

With five players on international duty, Price made several changes to his matchday 17 against Leigh Centurions and as a result, some of the club’s academy graduates got the chance to shine.

Josh Thewlis, Connor Wrench and Ellis Longstaff all started while Eribe Doro, Ellis Robson and Riley Dean came off the bench along with Rob Butler.

All contributed to an impressive Warrington display as Leigh were thrashed 44-18, with prop Doro scoring his first try for the club.

Price picked out a “super” performance from second rower Longstaff and said the future of the club looks bright with this crop of youngsters at its heart.

Asked whether some of the younger players had given him a selection headache, the Wire boss said: “Certainly, and that’s what I want.

“I want pressure every day at training and every game we play.

“It was very pleasing – a great result by the boys. I liked everything they did – great intent, great energy.

“There was a lot of adaptability but nothing looked out of place which was really pleasing.

“We did really well to hold our nerve, get back to the process and doing what works for us and rallied with some points.

“There’s some exciting, good young kids there.

“Ellis Longstaff was super tonight – I love the way he plays the game.

“All the other young guys – Eribe Doro, Connor Wrench, Buts (Rob Butler) were all very pleasing. The club’s in good shape with them.”

At the other end of the experience scale, Price was quick to praise another eye-catching display from Chris Hill in the front row.

The veteran prop missed out on joining teammates Mike Cooper, Joe Philbin, Ben Currie, Daryl Clark and Stefan Ratchford in the England squad to face the Combined Nations All-Stars tonight – a decision Price admits surprised him given his form.

“I thought Hilly was immense – he’s been one of the form front-rowers in the competition for a few weeks now. I was really pleased with what he dished up.

“I’m surprised he’s not involved for England. He’s been going great guns.

“He’s in a good place. He’s happy and enjoying his footy, which is half the battle.

“Sitaleki (Akauola) had some really strong carries and Matty Davis did a lot of dirty work for us in terms of efforts off the ball.”

The Wire ran in seven tries from as many different scorers at The Halliwell Jones Stadium as Super League’s bottom side were comfortably seen off.

Blake Austin and Matt Davis crossed in the first half before Gareth Widdop, Josh Charnley, Danny Walker, Doro and Tom Lineham did so after the break.

“I thought Danny Walker serviced our spine really well and I thought our kicking game from Gareth and Blake was outstanding – the best it’s been for a while,” Price said.

“The forwards deserve a really big rap – they laid a really good platform for us and we played off the back of that.”