Wigan Warriors are delighted to announce five Academy products will sign full-time contracts with the club from 2025.
Noah Hodkinson, Taylor Kerr, Nathan Lowe, Lukas Mason and Kian McDermott have been rewarded with full-time contracts from next season as a result of their performances over the last two seasons.
The five 18-year-olds, who have all progressed through the Warriors Scholarship system, join the full-time environment having shown the core attributes and values the Club looks for in players.
On the promotions, head of youth, Shane Eccles said: “This is a fantastic achievement for these players who have developed through our Academy and now get the opportunity to step into the full-time environment. It’s great for our Academy to be able to provide these players with the pathway to progress into the First Team squad and hopefully be the next generation of talent.
“It’s a great reward for their Community Clubs, coaches and schools, who have all had an influence on developing these players. It’s always exciting to see a player progress into the First Team squad, and we’re looking forward to seeing what impact these players can have over the next few years.”
Warriors head coach, Matt Peet added: “Each of these lads will bring something to the first team environment. It is a huge achievement for them and a credit to their families and all the people that have helped them along the way. It is my responsibility now to make sure these players are challenged and supported appropriately as they enter our full-time environment.”
Find out more about our latest Academy promotions:
Noah Hodkinson
An elusive running fullback, Hodkinson joined the Warriors Scholarship programme from Hindley ARLFC in 2022 before he made try scoring appearances in Lancashire’s Academy Origin Series win over Yorkshire last year.
Hodkinson has scored 15 tries in 18 appearances for the Academy and Reserves in a campaign which saw the fullback named in the Warriors’ 21-player senior squad in Round 23.
Taylor Kerr
A ball playing loose forward, Kerr signed his first contract with the Warriors in 2021 after progressing through the junior ranks at Ince Rose Bridge, Orrell St James and Wigan St Jude’s.
Kerr, who has represented England and Lancashire at Academy level, was included in Wigan’s 21-player Magic Weekend squad last month.
Nathan Lowe
A skilful running centre, Lowe has been with the Warriors since Scholarship level after coming through the junior system at Leigh East before spending a year with Wigan St Jude’s.
Lowe scored four tries in Lancashire’s 2023 Academy Origin Series win against Yorkshire and this season he was named in a senior 21-player squad in Round 23.
Lukas Mason
An industrious ball carrying second rower, Mason played for Clock Face Miners, Orrell St James and Siddal before signing his first contract with the Warriors Scholarship programme in 2021.
Having previously represented Lancashire and started in England’s Academy fixture against France in July, Mason has been a notable figure for the Warriors this season having featured 23 times for the Academy and Reserves.
Kian McDermott
A direct, hard running prop forward, McDermott joined the Warriors Scholarship programme in 2022 after coming through the ranks at local community side Wigan St Pats.
Having represented Lancashire and England Academy, McDermott has made 23 appearances for the Academy and Reserves this season which also saw the forward named in the Warriors’ 21-player squads in Round 23 and 24 this season.
The five Warriors will be presented on the pitch at half time in Thursday night’s Betfred Super League clash against Salford Red Devils.
