DARYL Powell has heaped praise on Warrington Wolves’ youth department after two of the club’s young prospects made their first-team debuts on Friday.

Second rower Adam Holroyd and prop Luke Thomas came off the bench during The Wire’s 24-18 defeat to Leeds Rhinos, with both showing up well again one of Super League’s in-form sides.

Holroyd was introduced first, making 42 metres from his six carries as well as completing 18 tackles in the back row.

As Warrington sought to fight back after the break, Thomas then came off the bench to make 36 metres from six carries.

Powell was full of praise for how both players stepped up to senior level and said both will continue to get opportunities in the first team.

“I have to applaud the youth department and the stuff they’re doing there,” he said.

“You could see it there – Adam Holroyd handled it pretty easily. He looked really comfortable in there and did some high-quality things.”

On Thomas not being introduced until the game’s final quarter, Powell said: “I was trying to manage things and not have too many young boys out there at the same time.

“He’s going to get more opportunities – I thought he handled it really well and it’s a good look at it for him.

“Maybe I could have put him on a little bit earlier, but its one of those cautious things with young players at times.

“We’re going to see more of them get opportunities because the work being done in that department is fantastic.

“There’s a reason and rationale behind doing it at the moment and I think it’s going to be great for the future of the club.”

Two more potential debutants – scrum-half Leon Hayes and loose forward Tom Whitehead – were part of the 21-man squad named for the trip to Headingley but did not make the final 17.

Like Holroyd, former Cardinal Newman High School student Hayes has had a stellar year with the club’s under 18s side, who currently top the Academy table.

Powell was glad Hayes got to experience a Super League matchday first hand and when it comes to one particular aspect of the game, he believes there is no better player at the club

“We had Leon Hayes with us today and he’s a player with a lot of potential,” he said.

“He’s probably the best at our club in terms of controlling a game. I’ve seen what he’s done with the academy and it’s been class

“ He’s one of the options. He warmed up and I wanted him to experience that as it’s one of the best places to come and play.

“I was pleased he got a sense of that and he’s someone I believe can step up.

“He’s a tough kid – he’s not the biggest half but he’s got some control about his game and that’s a big thing that’s needed.”