Wigan Warriors youngster Shea O’Connor praised by senior teammate amid ‘only going to get better’ verdict

Wigan Warriors youngster Shea O’Connor has earned praise from fellow front-rower Luke Thompson after making an encouraging start to life in Super League.

O’Connor has made nine appearances for his hometown club since making his first-team debut in May, having progressed through the Warriors’ academy after playing his junior rugby for Orrell St James.

The 18-year-old prop has quickly established himself around Matt Peet’s first-team squad, earning praise from Thompson, one of the more experienced forwards in the Wigan side.

Thompson has witnessed O’Connor’s development closely in training and believes his fearless approach has helped him make an impact in Super League.

“He’s been training with us for quite a while, and he is exactly the same in training – no fear,” Thompson said of O’Connor.

“He’s been given a shot, and he’s been great since he’s been out there. He’s really physical for his age, and I think he is only going to get better.”

Thompson made his own first-team debut for St Helens as an 18-year-old back in 2013 and can see similarities between himself and O’Connor as the youngster begins his senior career.

The 31-year-old has also taken on a senior role within a Wigan squad that has seen a number of academy graduates introduced to first-team rugby this season.

“I suppose I do, yeah,” Thompson said when asked if he saw similarities between his younger self and O’Connor. “It seems like a long time ago now, but I do try to help those lads out where I can.

“Shea, Kian (McDermott), Taylor (Kerr) - we’ve got a few good young middles coming through.

“I feel like that’s one thing you learn throughout your career... You’re coming into the first-team, you’re really keen, you want to get stuck in and bring physicality, but you have to learn to look after your body, so if I can share my knowledge or help the young lads every week, then I will do.”

Thompson has welcomed the opportunity to work alongside the next generation of Wigan players and believes their enthusiasm can also benefit the more experienced members of the squad.

“It’s pretty cool actually,” Thompson said when asked about younger players being integrated into the first-team squad. “It’s quite refreshing.

“You get young kids coming into the squad and they’re keen and they’re eager, and they want to get out there, full of energy, so it’s feeding off that and giving them a bit of guidance, and sharing my experience where I can.”

O’Connor is one of several youngsters to have been given opportunities by Peet this season, with the Warriors continuing to bring homegrown players through into the first-team.

“I think it is just a testament to the club and the academy system,” Thompson added. “Obviously they are preparing the kids well and when they get to this level, it’s not catching them off guard sort of thing.

“They’re ready for it and they’re being prepared well in the systems and what they’re doing there in the academy, so it’s a testament to the club.”

The Warriors will host neighbours Warrington Wolves in this year’s Academy Grand Final at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon, 3pm kick-off.