Wigan Warriors chief on Taylor Kerr’s ‘growing influence’ after earning derby starting spot
Taylor Kerr has made a strong impression during his breakthrough campaign with the Wigan Warriors first-team
Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet believes Taylor Kerr is growing into an increasingly important member of his squad after handing the youngster a starting role in Friday’s derby victory over St Helens.
The 19-year-old academy graduate made just his second senior start for Wigan as they defeated Saints 38-16 at the Brick Community Stadium, lining up in his preferred loose forward position before later returning to the field at hooker.
Kerr has now made 12 first-team appearances since making his debut in March, featuring across the loose forward, hooker and stand-off positions.
Peet said the youngster had earned his opportunity after continuing to impress in recent months.
“I just thought he’s been improving, and it would be a good step in his career for him to get that start,” Peet said.
“I thought with Sam Walters (coming back in), it kind of eased Sam in (by him coming off the bench), so it was a combination of factors, but it was mainly down to Taylor’s growing influence on the team, performance levels, and I thought he went really well, and he came back on at nine as well.”
Despite Kerr’s ability to cover a number of positions, Peet believes loose forward is where the teenager is best suited in the long run.
However, he feels Kerr’s versatility is proving valuable, rather than hindering his development.
“I think 13 is his best position,” Peet added. “But as we’ve seen, we’ve got some good 13s as we’ve mentioned, but forwards go down a lot.
“We’ve seen Oliver (Partington) and Kaide (Ellis) both play in the back-row, so that opens up space there (at loose forward), so the more people you can have who can play through that middle unit, the better.
“You certainly need them through the season, but also having his utility in the 17, the fact that he can come in at nine and can jump in other positions because of his skill set (is an asset to us).
“So I don’t think it’s a case of versatility becoming a downside for him because 13 is his best position, particularly as a young player, because it is a really good way of finding himself in the 17.”
Another derby awaits Kerr and the Warriors, who make the short trip across the borough to face Leigh Leopards on Friday evening.