Warrington Wolves’ Youth Movement Shines in 2024 Season
Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess has placed his trust in the club’s youth system this season, fielding no less than nine academy products so far in 2024. Among them is 17-year-old Arron Lindop, who made his senior debut earlier this year.
Burgess, who got his own big break as a teenager with the Bradford Bulls back in 2006, has prioritized developing Warrington’s homegrown talent since taking over the reins in the off-season. He has worked closely with both the senior squad and the rising stars coming through the academy.
“Anything that Sam challenged him with, he was just eating it up,” Chambers told Love Rugby League. “He came to such a degree that there was no question in Sam’s mind about putting him in.”
Prior to the current campaign, the Wolves rewarded local prospect Lindop with a four-year contract after he impressed during the academy’s tour to Australia last autumn, where he scored a try against the New South Wales Under-17s side.
Following a strong pre-season, Lindop was handed his first-team debut by Burgess for the Wolves’ opening round clash against the Catalans Dragons in the Super League. Warrington’s director of rugby, Gary Chambers, believes the youngster’s exceptional performances left the coach with no choice but to give him a chance.
Lindop, who has recently turned 18, has combined his first-team duties with studies at Priestley College, where he is pursuing a sports coaching and development course. The club and college have worked flexibly to accommodate the rising star’s professional commitments.
Having come through the ranks at local community club Latchford Giants, Lindop’s physicality and athleticism caught Warrington’s eye, with a growth spurt seeing him transition from the back row to an imposing centre who can also play on the wing.
Bright Future Ahead
Chambers believes Lindop’s long-term potential is the driving factor behind the club’s decision to hand him a four-year deal, stating that the more the youngster develops physically, the better player he will become.
“He is only going to get better and better,” Chambers said. “The more weights he hits, the more power he is going to be able to generate, and the better player he is going to be.”
With Lindop’s combination of talent, work ethic, and Warrington connection, the Wolves are confident they have a future star on their hands, one who could play a key role in the club’s long-term success.
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