Wigan Warriors’ Rising Star: Jacob Douglas Makes His Mark
Jacob Douglas, a homegrown talent from Wigan Warriors’ esteemed youth system, is making waves as he transitions from the academy into the first-team squad. The 20-year-old winger made his Super League debut in Wigan’s victory over Warrington Wolves on June 1 and was named 18th man for the team’s home win against London Broncos on June 21.
While established wingers Liam Marshall and Abbas Miski remain Matt Peet’s first-choice options, Douglas is tipped for a bright future with the Warriors. The Oldham lad first caught the eye at the Waterhead Warriors community club, where he honed his skills alongside teammate Zach Eckersley. Wigan’s head coach, Peet, commended the Waterhead club for their outstanding work in developing the rising stars.
“Jacob is a born finisher with impressive speed, power, and aerobic endurance.”
- John Duffy, Wigan’s academy head coach
After progressing through the Warriors’ scholarship and academy system since 2019, Douglas faced setbacks, including a broken collarbone and the disruption caused by the pandemic. However, he has steadily carved out a reputation as a consistent performer for the Wigan academy and reserves sides. His impressive performances in the 2022 pre-season and the 2023 Reserves Grand Final victory have further bolstered his case for a first-team breakthrough.
Wigan’s academy head coach, John Duffy, describes Douglas as a “born finisher” with impressive speed, power, and aerobic endurance. The young winger’s time on loan at Whitehaven, Oldham, Bradford Bulls, and Barrow Raiders has also provided valuable experience in the Championship and League 1, preparing him for the demands of Super League.
With his first-team debut under his belt, Douglas is poised to continue his development, aided by the support of Wigan’s renowned youth system. As the club continues to nurture its homegrown talent, the Oldham-born winger’s journey epitomizes the Warriors’ commitment to fostering the next generation of rugby league stars.
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