Wigan Warriors chief's high praise for youngster after breakthrough season - ‘Tough kid and talented’

Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet believes youngster Taylor Kerr is becoming an increasingly valuable member of his squad after praising the 19-year-old’s versatility and mentality.

Kerr has made 10 appearances for his hometown club since making his first-team debut in March and has impressed in a variety of positions, featuring at loose forward, hooker and stand-off.

Peet revealed the current crop of young players were brought into the first-team environment early because they were ready for the step up, with Kerr standing out through his work ethic, attitude and ability.

“I’ve said it a few times, this group of lads came up early into the first-team,” Peet said. “Last year, they were amongst it but didn’t really play, but I think that year’s experience helped.

“They came up early because they were ready for it, but they didn’t quite break their way in last year. From the start of pre-season, they all came in... Taylor was one of them who’d smashed himself before pre-season had even started. He came in great condition.

“He’s got all the psychological characteristics we want. He’s a tough kid, no-nonsense, self-critical, quite hard on himself, and he’s talented.”

While the Warriors currently view loose forward as Kerr’s best position, Peet believes his versatility only adds to his value.

“Whatever position he plays for us, I think he is going to be great value,” he said.

“Loose forward is his best position, we think at the moment, but he is just making himself really useful for a coach, who can see he can come and compete, he’s got a good skill set and is physical, so he is a good player.”

Peet admitted he has been impressed by Kerr’s start to life at senior level and expects him to continue progressing.

“I am very impressed,” he added. “He has been around the environment and in first-team training for quite a while now, so that’s the big thing about this group of players, we do expect them to go well.

“There is an expectation now that Taylor backs it up again this week, and I know that’s his mindset as well. It’s brilliant to see.

“I do think that lads always get a bit more attention when they post tries, but he’s has been doing a good job for a while and although he’s played 10 games, he’s probably not played that many of them in his natural position, so it’s probably great for him to get some time at 13.”

Peet also reserved praise for another young forward in 18-year-old prop Shea O’Connor, who has made an impressive start to his senior career.

“I’m just enjoying it like most other people,” Peet said. “He’s a pleasure to coach, he is very self-assured, works hard and is a quiet lad.”

Peet also reflected on O’Connor’s physical collision with St Helens prop George Delaney at Magic Weekend.

“I think it was a great moment as you mentioned,” Peet said. “George Delaney gave as good as he got, and Shea, that’s just watching two good young front-rowers go at it.

“I think we all enjoyed it, but Shea’s going to whack some people, and they’re going to whack him, so that’s what is hopefully going to make him a good front-rower for us for years to come.”