Warrior promote academy stars

Wigan have announced that six of last year’s Championship Valvoline Cup winning side have been promoted to the First Team squad for 2011.

The six are Jack Hughes, Sam Powell, Logan Tomkins, Ryan King, Dom Crosby and Matty Russell and all have signed two-year contracts with the Club for 2011 and 2012 with a further Club option for 2013. These players will join the rest of the First Team squad and report back for training on the 15th November at the Co-operative Community Stadium.

Jack Hughes is an athletic Back Row with great speed, Sam Powell is a young Halfback who will thrive off training with the experienced Paul Deacon and Sam Tomkins whilst Sam’s younger brother, Logan, will become the third member of the Tomkins family in the Warriors First Team squad. Logan is a promising hooker with a great attitude. Ryan King and Matty Russell are fast and elusive Outside Backs who set the U20’s competition alight last season whilst Dom Crosby is a big Prop with a great desire and attitude to succeed.

Speaking about the promotion of the six to the First Team squad, Head Coach Michael Maguire said: “We were really impressed with the form of these guys last season and it is exciting to bring the six of them together into the First Team squad for 2011. The guys have been chosen for their rugby ability together with their enthusiastic, determined and positive attitudes and commitment. I look forward to working with them all.”

Kris Radlinski, Warriors Rugby Manager added: “We looked a little deeper than just what they do on the field. We need to make sure that the people we bring into the Wigan organisation have the right qualities. We want highly motivated people who are honest and have a massive appetite for success.”

Ian Lenagan, Chairman added: “The signing of these 6 talented young Players on long-term, full-time Professional Contracts is indicative of the continuing Wigan policy of investment in Wigan-born and Wigan-trained youngsters. They each have now a marvellous opportunity to develop their skills, disciplines and physiques and to become Super League players as soon as they are able. They have become part of the talent pool of young Wigan players which is a major part of the future of the Wigan Club and we will be looking for loan and dual registration options for them as soon as Michael Maguire’s team think they are ready”.