John Duffy previews Wigan Warriors' trip to Colwyn Bay with youngsters eager to impress
Wigan Warriors Reserves head coach John Duffy is looking forward to seeing his side take their first steps of the new campaign when they travel to Colwyn Bay to face North Wales Crusaders in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.
Saturday’s fixture at Eirias Stadium marks the first run out of pre-season for a young Warriors group who, according to Duffy, have approached the pre-season programme with the right attitude and intensity.
“It's the first opportunity of the year for the young lads,” said Duffy.
"They've all been travelling really well in pre-season, and I think they're all dying to play a game now.
"They'll be excited to go, we expect everyone will get some game time, so we're looking forward to it and hoping for a good performance."
Several new first-team faces will also feature, including three new signings in the shape of Jonny Vaughan, Dayon Sambou and Finn McMillan, who will pull on the Wigan jersey for the first time as they continue their integration into the squad.
"Their attitudes have been first class," Duffy added. “They have all bought into everything that we've been doing, so they'll be ready to go on Saturday and get some minutes in the bag."
The game also provides a valuable chance for young players to impress and stake an early claim ahead of the new season.
"I think so, yeah,” Duffy said. “I think any opportunity to do that as a young player, they'll take it with both hands.
"It's been a tough five/six weeks for them – they've been pushing themselves over the pre-season, so now it's just about getting down there and playing.”
Looking ahead to the challenge, Duffy expects a stern test from the Crusaders, who include former Warriors academy players Joe Baldwin and Thomas Bridge.
"Joe Baldwin and Thomas Bridge have made the move over there,” said Duffy. “They were two cracking lads here, and it was a pleasure coaching them.
"Knowing the Championship, it should be a really physical game, and that's something we'll relish in matching that physicality.”
Wigan will wear their new Rebel (away) kit for the game, which is predominantly black with a cherry tint.