HAVING had a stellar season on the field so far, Warrington Wolves’ academy players have been rolling up their sleeves off the pitch this week.

The club have arranged for their young players to undertake work experience placements around the town in order to aid their personal development away from the rugby field.

Some did their work experience at the club, helping the Halliwell Jones Stadium groundstaff and stadium maintenance team.

Academy head coach Richard Marshall says the experience gained by his players will be “invaluable” for them as they embark on their careers.

“We must thank all the companies who placed and looked after our players so well – Ronan and Ian from the Vice Presidents Association were great in orchestrating the whole program,” he said.

“The young players have learned to appreciate our own environment and the work that goes on outside of rugby and how hard it is to manage.

“At some stage, they may have to do both work and rugby in the evenings and weekends.

“However, we hope to get as many as possible into our own first team squad. We feel the group will strengthen as a result of these placements.

“The experience from the exercise will be invaluable going forward.”

On the field, Marshall’s side are back in action on Saturday and depending on other results around them, they could finish the weekend top of the Academy table.

They currently sit second – two points behind leaders Hull FC and ahead of both St Helens and Leeds Rhinos on points difference – as they prepare to welcome Bradford Bulls to Victoria Park. Kick off is at 12noon.