Arron Lindop grateful for Warrington Wolves and England chance

From a memorable try-scoring debut for his beloved Warrington Wolves to debuting for his country in his hometown, it has been one full of “pinch me” moments.

If the club’s faith in his prodigious talent is anything to go by, this is just the start of what could be a career full of highlights and success, but they have started to arrive earlier than expected for the 18-year-old.

Having played three first-team games for the club he grew up supporting, Lindop’s latest high point was turning out for England Academy at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Tuesday evening in front of scores of family and friends.

He marked the occasion with a try – a chase to touch down a close-range kick akin to the one he scored for The Wire against Wigan Warriors last month – and although the result did not go his team’s way as France under 19s snatched a last-gasp 40-37 victory, his gratitude shone through.

> Click here to read our full report from an entertaining Academy international fixture that lit up The Halliwell Jones Stadium

Arron Lindop touches down for his first-half try against France under 19s (Image: Simon Hall)

“It’s only a couple of years since I was a season-ticket holder here,” he told the Guardian.

“I’ve grown up here and this club’s in my blood, so I pinch myself every time I run out onto this ground.

“I’d have been in the South Stand, just a bit to the right of where the drummer usually stands. I stayed out of the way of that but I always enjoyed it.

“Playing for England here was such a special moment for me. Obviously, the result didn’t go our way but I’m so happy to make my debut for my country – it’s a moment I’ll never forget.

“With it being here in Warrington as well, I had so many friends and family members here to support me, which made it extra special. It meant a lot.”

He was joined in England white by Warrington teammates Cai Taylor-Wray and Tom McKinney who, like him, have been tipped for bright futures in primrose and blue.

And livewire full-back Taylor-Wray gave another glimpse of his talent with a quickfire brace of tries having come off the bench as England fought back from 36-18 down to lead 37-36, only for France to score the winning try on the hooter.

“That’s just Cai – he does his stuff,” Lindop said.

“I’ve grown up with both him and Tom and they’re both unbelievable players. I know them so well and we know each other’s games.

“Coming out with them and us all representing our country together is something I’ll never forget.”

With this latest memory banked, Lindop’s focus is on making more to further establish himself as part of Sam Burgess’ first-team squad.

So far, he has rewarded the belief the club have in him – evidenced by the four-year deal they tied him to before he had even experienced senior rugby league – with impressive displays when called upon.

He will no doubt be needed again before the season is out, and the former Bridgewater High School pupil is keen to take any chance he gets.

Lindop has scored twice in his three senior appearances for Warrington, including this effort against Wigan Warriors last month (Image: SWPix.com)

“Every time I get to pull on the Warrington or England jersey, I’m forever grateful for it and I’ve already experienced so much this year that I never expected,” he said.

“Whenever I get chance to go out there, I’ll go out there and try to do my club and country proud and my family and friends proud.

“If Sam needs me, he knows where I am. The boys are doing really well this season and I think we’ve got a real shot to win the whole thing – we’ve got a massive squad anyway full of unbelievable players.

“My job is to be there when needed and take any chance I can get.”

Lindop memorably marked his senior debut with a try in Perpignan against Catalans Dragons in Round One (Image: Joe Richardson)