Wigan Warriors chief praises rising star following Wembley glory: ‘He’s a really talented kid’

The 20-year-old outside-back seamlessly stepped in to fill the shoes of suspended Adam Keighran on the biggest stage, with the Australian having received a three-match ban in the build-up to the Challenge Cup Final.

Eckersley scored the first of three tries for Matt Peet’s outfit on their way to an 18-8 victory over Warrington Wolves, and post-match, Radlinski predicted a bright future for the academy product - who now has 20 senior appearances to his name with loan stints at Widnes Vikings, London Broncos and Barrow Raiders.

Saturday marked the youngers third start for the Cherry and Whites, including his first-ever appearance in the prestigious competition - silverware Radlinski won once across his decorated career, receiving the Lance Todd Trophy for his performance in the 2002 victory over rivals St Helens in Edinburgh.

“He’s a really talented kid and a popular member of the squad, just by the way he applies himself,” Warriors CEO Radlinski said.

“Adam Keighran was superb with him during the week and spent a lot of time with him.

“We’ve known for a while that he is going to be a good player and he will be a good player.

“When Adam got banned, there was no danger that we were not going to play him (Eckersley), because we knew he was ready to step in, but it’s still Wembley.

“You’ve still got to go out and do it, and he did it superbly.”