“SIX months ago, he was out of a job.”

Max Wood’s rise to prominence has been among the most satisfying features of Warrington Wolves’ season to date – and head coach Sam Burgess says his first-team exposure is nothing more than he deserves.

Released by Wigan Warriors at the end of last year, the prop’s future in the game looked uncertain until The Wire gave him the chance to join their pre-season training on a trial basis.

The rest, as they say, is history – having impressed Burgess and his staff with his application and ability, a first-team deal was signed and some eye-catching displays have followed.

He has made nine appearances for Warrington's senior side this year as well as having spells on loan and dual-registration respectively with Bradford Bulls and Widnes Vikings.

Max Wood in action against Hull FCMax Wood in action against Hull FC (Image: SWPix.com)

"He’s been a great find but he’s worked really hard and is a good story for a lot of young men," Burgess said of the 20-year-old.

"Things can get away from you but if you’re willing to get the work done, there’s always opportunity there.

"If you do the right stuff and your habits are good away from the game, and you practice well, you’ll get an opportunity at some point.

"Max is a great example of that – six months ago he was out of a job and now, he’s played 10 games this year."

It is fair to say Wood's signing came as something of a surprise - potentially even to those within the club.

However, as they witnessed the transformation in him throughout pre-season, the inkling that he could be an asset grew and grew.

"He came on a six-week trial initially in November and he’ll probably tell you himself he was a bit overweight," Burgess said.

"We offered him an opportunity to get better and we gave him some targets to hit by Christmas time, which he did – he dropped seven or eight kilos and got a bit fitter.

"We gave him another six weeks after Christmas and he dropped another five or six kilos, so he started to look something like a rugby player.

"He’s a natural rugby player and is really smart. He’s figured out what works for him in his preparation and I think he can really add something to the team.

"He’s a very powerful young man – he can do a backflip from a standing start as he’s got a really powerful base."

(Image: Neil Ashurst/P&B Pictures)