THERE are a few names in the squad for Friday’s trip to Leeds Rhinos that some Warrington Wolves fans may not recognise.
As many as four youngsters could make their senior debuts for The Wire at Headingley having been included in the 21-man squad by head coach Daryl Powell.
> Click here to check out the full squads for both sides
Here, we take a closer look at those who could make their bows…
LUKE THOMAS
Age: 19
Position: Prop
A regular for the club’s reserves this season, Latchford Giants junior Thomas has featured in the matchday squad at senior level a couple of times this year without making the final 17.
Indeed, he holds the distinction of having made his international debut before his senior club debut having come off the bench for Wales in their mid-season clash with France in June.
With a style of play likened to former St Helens, England and Great Britain forward James Graham by teammates and coaches, Thomas has certainly been knocking on the door of the first team for most of the year.
Now, it looks as though he will finally get his opportunity.
> Click here to read a full factfile on former Latchford Giants youngster Luke Thomas
Luke Thomas, right, made his Wales debut against France earlier this year. Picture by Dave Gibson Photography
TOM WHITEHEAD
Age: 19
Position: Loose forward/half back
A player highly thought-of having come through the academy, Whitehead is another who is no stranger to the first-team squad.
Indeed, he has even made the final 17 on one occasion – the 20-19 home win over Salford Red Devils at the end of 2021 – but he never made it off the bench.
The former England under 16s international, who came through the ranks at Saddleworth Rangers, plays mainly as a loose forward but has been known to feature at half-back on occasion.
Tom Whitehead made it onto the bench for a Super League clash with Salford Red Devils last year but did not make it onto the field. Picture by Mike Boden
LEON HAYES
Age: 18
Position: Scrum-half
The performances of Warrington-born Hayes have been a key part of the superb form of the club’s academy side this year.
Captaining the side, he has led from the front with 133 points in 11 games, catching the eye with his impressive organisation and kicking game both from hand and from the tee.
While he is diminutive in stature, Hayes’ displays at youth, reserve and Academy Origin level, where he captained Lancashire to a 3-0 series whitewash, have convinced many that a first team call-up would be in his future.
Now, the former Cardinal Newman High School student could well get the chance to represent the club he has grown up supporting.
Goalkicking scrum-half Leon Hayes has captained Warrington's table-topping Academy side this year. Picture by Bob Brough
ADAM HOLROYD
Age: 18
Position: Second row
Amid a highly-talented academy crop, hard-running back-rower Holroyd is among those spoken of most highly by those at the club.
The Halifax-born Siddal junior, who captained Yorkshire during this year’s Academy Origin series, served his scholarship at neighbours Widnes but was picked up by The Wire when the Vikings fell into administration.
This year, his work on both sides of the ball has caught the eye in Richard Marshall’s league-leading under 18s side – he has crossed for seven tries in 11 games and also features highly in the tackle charts.
Indeed, his selection for Friday received a ringing endorsement from former Wire forward Paul Wood on Twitter.
Adam Holroyd’s got the ability to be a big asset for @WarringtonRLFC
— Paul Wood (@Paul_Wood_RL16) August 17, 2022
Aggressive & tough 🐺 https://t.co/0ItP4Inzw8
Adam Holroyd scoring a try for the Wire academy side against Castleford. Picture by Joe Richardson
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