Jack Farrimond relishing lead Wigan Warriors role with 'big responsibility' verdict
Jack Farrimond being Wigan Warriors’ senior halfback at just 20 is not something many would have predicted in 2026 – but the highly-rated youngster is embracing the challenge as injuries and suspensions force a reshuffle.
The homegrown playmaker will be Wigan’s leading half when they face Castleford Tigers at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday, with Bevan French injured and Harry Smith suspended. It leaves Farrimond, still early in his career, steering the side in a key position.
Despite his age, Farrimond has already featured in eight of Wigan’s opening 10 matches this season and continues to show he belongs at Super League level.
“It’s a big responsibility,” he told Wigan Today. “It’s a big step up in the chat and organisation from me this week.
"It’s a responsibility that I don’t mind having either. I think I’ve always backed that side of my game all the way coming through, but definitely, I’m ready for it.
"It’s a big opportunity for me as an individual to develop my game, and with all the different challenges and losing players and things like that, so there’s been some lessons along the way, and I’m sure there are going to be more, but I’m definitely relishing it.”
Since making his debut in 2024, Farrimond has scored 15 tries and kicked 15 goals in 24 appearances under head coach Matt Peet.
Now in his third full year around the first-team, the Leigh-born halfback feels he is adapting to the physical and mental demands of consistent Super League rugby.
“It’s obviously something that takes a bit of getting used to when you first step up, but this period for me, exposure to back-to-back games for a long period of time will be good for me,” said Farrimond.
"I think the only other time I’ve gone back-to-back games was like four games on the bounce, and I think I’m on my seventh or eighth now, so I’m enjoying it.
"It’s definitely something that takes a lot more on the body, you’re feeling it more week after week, but what we do coming in, getting our recovery right and all the stuff around that and how we’re looked after if there are knocks or niggles, is a massive part of how we can perform when the games come around, really."
Farrimond is not short of guidance as he grows into the role. The Warriors’ coaching staff includes some of the most respected former halfbacks in the game, with no better environment for Farrimond to learn from as a young halfback finding his voice at the senior level.
Assistant coaches Tommy Leuluai and Paul Deacon, both legendary halfbacks in Super League, have been key influences for Farrimond, along with club icon Sean O’Loughlin and transition coach John Duffy.
“They’re massive for me,” Farrimond said. “Lockers has spent time in the halves too, and John helped me a lot when I first came up.
"Just their knowledge goes a long way. Obviously, the game is a bit different now than when they played, but just their knowledge of the basics, and they’ve all played in big games, so they know what it takes to be in those positions and to win those positions, so I’m learning all the time.”