As always, Wigan Warriors have some terrific young talent coming off the conveyor belt at Robin Park, and the task is to get them game-time.
Warriors boss Matt Peet has praised the work done behind the scenes by academy head coach turned backroom staff member John Duffy in making that happen on many an occasion.
If there isn’t a spot in Wigan’s own first team available, which for most is the case given the talent the Cherry and Whites have at their disposal, then Duffy will make sure game-time comes elsewhere.
Below, we’ve picked out five Warriors youngsters who we think could potentially head out on loan in the not too distant future, ready to cut their teeth in the world of senior rugby league.
Although Winger Douglas made a strong impression during the preseason for Peet’s senior squad, he has only played in one first-team game this season, which was the victory against Warrington Wolves the week before the Challenge Cup final. The 20-year-old, who began 2024 on loan with Bradford Bulls, has so far this season made four appearances while wearing a dual registration for Barrow.
He is regularly mentioned in Peet’s 21-man teams and is often seen in and around his club, thus it seems possible that he is ready for a promotion. It seems that game time is required, whether it’s farther up the Championship or into Super League itself. There are undoubtedly a significant number of suitors.
Jack Farrimond
Now, this choice really depends on whether Peet opts to go with Farrimond against Leigh Leopards or Ryan Hampshire. After a man of the match showing on his home debut against London Broncos, if it’s the latter come Friday night, we’re sure Duffy’s phone will be red hot with clubs asking to take the starlet on loan, and it would seem he’s exactly that: a bright talent.
There were rave reviews of the Leyther ahead of this season, and when he has been handed a chance to show what he’s made of, Farrimond has delivered in style. If he’s not going to be playing at senior level for Wigan, we’re convinced he will have to be doing so elsewhere on loan given his promising career trajectory.
Plus, when we asked him about the possibility of a loan move for the 18-year-old, academy chief Duffy recently told Love Rugby League: “I think that may be a conversation that we need to have with Matt and Jack.
“Jack needs to challenge himself a bit more soon, so we’ll have that conversation, hopefully in a few weeks. Of course, it’s also dependent on what Matt requires from Jack at first team level, so we’ll see what happens.”
21-year-old Forber made his senior Warriors debut in August 2022, but we haven’t seen him since. He has played twice this season for Peet’s team. At the time of writing, he has made 32 senior appearances after playing on loan or under dual registration for six other teams, making him the most experienced player on this list in terms of playing time.
Only one of those has been this year so far though, with the hooker appearing in seven games on dual-registration for Barrow. Like Douglas though, it would appear that he’s ready for some sort of step up – he’s now played 23 Championship games overall, so we’re nearing a full season’s worth.
The Warrington-born hooker suffered an ankle injury back in May whilst playing for Barrow on loan, so getting some minutes under his belt once he returns to full fitness might just do him the world of good.
Harvey Makin
Sat on 22 senior appearances including 14 this year, but yet t0 feature at first team level for Wigan, Makin doesn’t turn 21 until November. Featuring eight times on dual-registration for Barrow so far in 2024, he’s also had a taste of Super League with six games for Mike Eccles’ London side between March and May.
Prop Makin has consistently contributed to Paul Crarey’s Raiders off the bench. Last month, he came on against the Swinton Lions and scored his second-ever senior career try. Duffy appears prepared to add more “senior” minutes to his repertoire, and he has a large network of contacts.
Finley Beardsworth
Beardsworth, who was born in Warrington, is arguably the “lowest key” player chosen, but he looks like a player to keep an eye on since he frequently draws attention in reserve games.
The forward, who is still very young, has already seen a small taste of senior football. He played four games for Midlands Hurricanes the previous season, scoring a try against Hunslet, and made just one appearance for Barrow Raiders on dual registration in April. In the long run, more playing time as a loanee might be beneficial for both his development and the Warriors.
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