Joe Shorrocks hopes to show Wigan Warriors don't need to sign a prop

Since Burgess left the club due to an ongoing hip problem earlier this year, many have questioned whether the Warriors will look to replace him with a new signing.

The club have yet to bring anyone in and in the meantime, Shorrocks is among the homegrown forwards who have caught the eye.

The 21-year-old has figured in all five of Wigan’s games, all victories - just two short of the seven total he managed last season in his breakout campaign.

He said: “After George told the lads he was leaving, I thought they might sign another prop and I had in my head that they don’t need to, that I’m here and I’ve worked hard to try and stay in the team.

“Personally I’ve been happy with the start, in pre-season I set my goal to get in the team and play as many games as I can and so far I’ve been involved in all the games, so I’m happy.”

Shorrocks was even given an extended spell against Leeds after coach Adrian Lam was happy with the way he was troubling the opposition.

“I did 50 odd minutes and the more I play the better,” said Shorrocks, who is comfortable either at prop or in the loose forward role.

“We do look at it as three middles and whether it’s me or someone else at loose forward, there’s just a bit more ball movement than at prop, that’s the only difference.

“Lockers has helped me in pre-season with ball movement, there’s nobody better to learn from.”

Shorrocks' five appearances this year included the Challenge Cup win at York which saw him joined by four other ex-pupils from St Peter's High School in Orrell - Ollie Partington, Jake Bibby, Sam Halsall and Umyla Hanley.

"Bibby said before the game, 'You realise there's five Peter's lads in', which is pretty good," added Shorrocks.