Wigan Warriors have ‘high hopes’ for youngster after York Knights display - ‘A good step for him’

Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet believes young prop Kian McDermott took another important step in his development after impressing during Saturday’s massive win over York Knights.

The 20-year-old was brought into Wigan’s 17-man squad following the injury to Ethan Havard, who is facing a spell on the sidelines with a broken jaw.

McDermott was the only change from the side that defeated Wakefield Trinity the previous week, and the Warriors produced a huge 72-20 win at the LNER Community Stadium, with McDermott making nine carries and seven tackles during his longest first-team outing to date.

The academy product has now made six senior appearances for the Warriors, and Peet was pleased with the contribution he made as Wigan ran in 13 tries to claim their seventh win in eight matches.

“We’ve got high hopes for Kian,” said Peet.

“He’s got a lot of the traits we want - courageous, fit, and understands how we want to play, so I thought it was a good step for him.”

McDermott’s inclusion came after a reshuffle in Wigan’s front-row rotation following Havard’s injury. With the England international unavailable, Sam Eseh was promoted from the bench into the starting side and made an immediate impact against York.

The 22-year-old crossed for the opening try inside two minutes after York kicked the ball out on the full from the kick-off, with Eseh powering his way over from close range.

It was the latest impactful display from the Leeds-born prop, who has featured in 17 of Wigan’s matches this season and made his fifth start for the club in North Yorkshire.

Eseh, who will leave the Warriors to join Bradford Bulls at the end of the 2026 season, helped Wigan quickly establish control and went on to make nine carries and 18 tackles.

Peet was particularly pleased with the front-rower’s opening spell, although he believes there are still aspects of his game that can improve.

“I thought his first spell was very good,” said Peet.

“There’ll be elements of his second one which he’ll learn from, but he’s a very dynamic ball carrier, difficult to handle, aggressive, so I’m pleased with Sam’s job today.”

With Havard sidelined, both McDermott and Eseh could have important roles to play over the coming weeks.