Wigan Warriors youngster Shea O'Connor reflects on first-team breakthrough - 'It's what I've dreamed of'

Shea O’Connor says he is living out his dream with hometown club Wigan Warriors after making an impressive start to his first-team career.

The 18-year-old prop has featured in Wigan’s last five matches, taking his tally to six senior appearances since making his debut against Hull KR in May.

Despite still being eligible to play academy rugby, O’Connor is quickly establishing himself in Matt Peet’s first-team squad.

Reflecting on his breakthrough season, the former Orrell St James junior admitted he has loved every minute of the experience.

“It’s been good, it’s what I’ve dreamed of, and it’s what I expected,” O’Connor said.

“I’m loving it, and I feel like I’m building week by week, and I’m trying my best in my performances. I’ll keep on trying hard and hopefully keep on getting picked.”

While the physicality of senior rugby has not surprised him, O’Connor says the speed of the game has been the biggest adjustment.

“Not so much physical-wise, probably just the speed of it and my body getting used to the speed of it,” he explained.

“That’s probably where the soreness comes after a game, my body just getting used to how fast the game is at this level.”

The young forward has also benefited from learning alongside some of Wigan’s experienced middle unit, including Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Patrick Mago, Ollie Partington and Kaide Ellis.

“They help me the best they can,” he said.

“Everything they say to me, their advice is obviously really good, and it’s helping me, so I’ve got to keep on listening to them and taking things on board.”

Known for his direct running and defensive work-rate, O’Connor says his approach has always been to focus on the fundamentals.

“It’s just doing the simple stuff right first, and then everything else comes on the back of it, that’s what I’ve been taught, I’ve stuck to it, and it’s working,” he added.

Although delighted with his progress, O’Connor admitted he had not expected to make such an impact this season, given he only turns 19 in November.

“I probably didn’t expect to play as many games as I have, but I guess you’ve got to expect the unexpected,” he smiled.

His rise has also brought plenty of excitement for those closest to him.

“Buzzing,” he said when asked about his family and friends’ reaction. “A lot of them have started watching their rugby a bit more. Some of them are (into their rugby), and some aren’t, but the ones who aren’t really into it have started watching rugby a bit more now, and they’re buzzing for me.”