Sam Burgess hails Warrington Wolves' England Academy picks

Two of those players – outside back Arron Lindop and full-back Cai Taylor-Wray – have made Super League appearances for The Wire this season, while prop Tom McKinney has trained with the first team on several occasions.

All three are in contention to represent their country at their home ground, with the game against France under 19s being played at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Tuesday, July 2.

“It’s a good reward for them,” Burgess said.

“They’re all great players and it’s good for the club that we’ve got three boys in there.

“Tom McKinney is a good prospect – he’s not played first-grade yet but he’s been around us a couple of times.

“I’m pleased for them as they’re all really good lads as well.

“Arron trains with us every day and we’re trying to get Cai more involved as I think he’s a valuable player.”

Having been tied to a long-term deal during pre-season, Warrington-born Lindop has impressed in his three Super League appearances to date.

He marked his senior debut by scoring the opening try in the Round One defeat to Catalans Dragons from the right wing, while he returned to the side in Round 10 against Hull FC on the opposite flank.

Then, he produced a stellar, try-scoring showing in his preferred centre position as part of a much-changed Wire side that lost to Wigan Warriors in Super League earlier this month.

Arron Lindop has scored two tries in his three Super League appearances, including this one against Wigan Warriors (Image: SWPix.com)

“Arron’s coming on – I threw him in at the deep end but nothing much fazes him as he’s a confident young man,” Burgess said.

“He got bashed about a few times but it didn’t bother him. He’s played a couple of games since and hasn’t let me down.

“He’s my kind of bloke – he’s low-maintenance and doesn’t cause me any problems.

“I think he’s a left centre more than anything – that’s his preferred position but he’s played right wing and left wing for us as well so he’s got good versatility. He’s a good asset.”

Taylor-Wray also made his senior debut against Wigan and while McKinney is yet to appear at first-team level, he has been a regular for the club’s reserve side.

More senior game time may come down the line but until then, Burgess was asked about the prospect of sending the likes of Lindop, Taylor-Wray and other young stars out on loan.

To that, however, he added a note of caution.

“They’re young lads so for their development, it’s best for them to stay in our system. We train to a high standard,” he said.

“At some point, I’d like to get them out but it’s easier for the young forwards who are a bit more physically mature and advanced.

“With the younger outside backs, you’ve got to be a bit more careful about developing them properly.

“It’s no good them going out and getting bashed every week so I’m a bit more selective about what I do with them.”