I didn’t go to the game but my mate did. He always goes to academy games and he reckons Wigan’s 7 is easily the best academy player he’s seen in years and far better than Dodd was at the same age!

Farrimond? Hes excellent, watched him for years, best ive seen in a while

No Benson didn't play but he was class for Blackbrook the other day in a win against Woolston, both teams had numerous academy players. He was throwing great cut out passes and darting through gaps for fun. Could all be different at higher levels of rugby of course but encouraging.

Yeah that’s the one! The best thing is, Wigan are on the up now so it’s always easier for a youngster coming into a winning team than it is a team that’s struggling a la Harry Smith. So if Wigan can maintain these performances for a few years It should be easier for him to realise his potential. I’m looking forward to seeing him play in SL in the future

I can’t remember his name but the 6 for saints was nwc player of the year last season and had offers from pretty much every SL club.

Tell you what though, the amount of talent coming through both saints and Wigan’s academy is really pleasing.

nwc player of the year last year was wigans 7 at U15's which is now 16's, older than that he would be academy

Apologies. I think I’m getting mixed up. The lad I’m talking about is called Will Roberts who is academy and not scholarship. The lad rogues is referring to is Harry Robertson but I don’t know much about him

Harry Robertson was 6 for Saints. Looks a class act. He was signed from Halton so is a Widnes lad. Wigan tried to sign him for years but thankfully he only wanted Saints.

I know this because a Wigan scout I was stood with told me. He’s an outstanding prospect although I have to say Farrimond was the best player on the pitch.

There is no overall NWC player of the year award. They do a player of the year for each division of each age group. It goes to whoever got the most man of the match awards (selected by the opposition). You could both therefore be correct.

yeah there is, was the first year last year 13-15 year old

What would the rest of SL do without Wigan and Saints? Other clubs need to step up. Some are showing signs of doing so.

Yesterday I went to watch the local under 15s derby between Thatto Heath and Blackbrook. Blackbrook won 46 - 4 and included in their team three Wigan scholarship players including Nathan Benson and my great grandson Nathaniel Twiss both of whom were on the scoresheet. I cannot understand the previous comments inferring that Blackbrook lads signing for Wigan is a something new. I remember when Nathaniel's dad, my grandson, played in an all conquering Blackbrook side, nearly half of them signed for Wigan including Andy Craig who made it to the first team before going to RU and playing for Scotland. Blackbrook has always been fertile ground for Wigan