IF Joe Philbin’s words are anything to go by, Warrington Wolves fans can be very excited by what Eribe Doro will bring this year.

The up-and-coming prop forward made his first-team debut during 2020 having been marked as one to watch for several years as he progressed through the academy.

He may have only played twice, but Doro impressed many with his aggression and explosive ball-carrying ability.

Although he came through the ranks as a second rower before moving to the front row, Philbin was the last forward to come through the Wire academy and establish himself as a first-team star.

Having been on the journey himself, he is backing 19-year-old former Saddleworth Rangers junior Doro to do the same.

“I’m really excited about Eribe – probably the most excited I’ve been about a front-rower coming through,” he said.

“He’s just raw power and aggression and doesn’t have any respect for reputations.

“He’ll go after anyone and that’s the kind of thing you need to do if you want to become an established front-rower. You can’t give too much respect.

“He has got the makings to be anything he wants to be. With the attributes he has, he can go all the way.

“We’ve got to remember he’s only 19 and he shouldn’t feel any pressure because there’s none on him from anyone at the club.

“He’s giving his all in every session and is pushing himself really hard, so he is one to watch out for this year.”

Eribe Doro on his first-team debut against Castleford Tigers last year. Picture by Mike Boden

Eribe Doro on his first-team debut against Castleford Tigers last year. Picture by Mike Boden

There is certainly plenty of competition for places in the front row outside the established trio of Philbin, Chris Hill and Mike Cooper.

Indeed, Doro will have two new rivals for spots in the matchday 17 in the shape of Robbie Mulhern and Rob Butler, who have signed on for the 2021 season.

Butler, another rising star, has joined from London Broncos while the more established Mulhern moves from Hull Kingston Rovers to add to Steve Price’s middle options which also include Sitaleki Akauola, Matt Davis and Ellis Robson.

Philbin has played with Mulhern for England Knights, with whom he also trained briefly with Butler in 2019.

“I played with Robbie Mulhern for England Knights and I know how good a player he is,” he said.

“He’s a big unit, he’s fit and has a good engine.

“He’s very aggressive and I’m excited to link up with him again.

“I did a few training sessions with Rob Butler with the Knights but haven’t played with him yet.

“I remember playing against him when we played London and he was a big, angry Cockney!

“He’s come in and is looking powerful.”