Liam Byrne ready to fight for more chances in the Wigan first team

James Messenger 31 Dec 2019 11:03 AM

Wigan forward Liam Byrne insists he is ready to step up the intensity in order to fight for a permanent place in the Warriors first team.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2019, making the step up into Adrian’s Lam’s plans alongside fellow young forwards Morgan Smithies and Oliver Partington.

He made 14 appearances for the Cherry and Whites last term, but will face competition for a more regular spot following the arrivals of George Burgess from South Sydney and Mitch Clark from Castleford.

Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “There is a lot of competition in the squad so I want to do everything I can in training and work hard in order to get my foot in the door again.

“All the new lads are sound – a couple have experience overseas, so it is good to gain some knowledge off them.

“You have to sponge it up and learn as much as possible; asking for advice where you can and just listening to them in training.”

Byrne made a superb start to life in Super League, scoring on debut against Hull FC back in February.

Having received the number 20 shirt for next season, the prop insists he will look to build on the success of his debut year with the Warriors.

“It is a lot harder than what it was last year,” he said. “It has been really toned up but it will make us better throughout the season and will give us the extra legs to last longer.

“The more we get in now, the longer the duration will be throughout the season, so we can keep up the pace, especially when we get to the business end and need more energy.”