OLD TRAFFORD is the dream for Manchester United fan Kian McGann – but the Wakefield Trinity newcomer will settle for a first-team debut next season.
While the addition of versatile back McGann, who turned 19 last Thursday, may have gone under the radar amid some high-profile signings, Wakefield coach Daryl Powell and director of rugby Ste Mills see great potential.
He’s signed a two-year contract at the DIY Kitchens Stadium with the option for a third year, joining directly from St Helens’ esteemed Academy.
McGann was highly rated at Saints and featured for Lancashire in both of this year’s Academy Origin fixtures, but proactive Wakefield moved swiftly to offer him a professional contract.
“I didn’t get to the point of the discussion with Saints – Wakefield came in first,” explained McGann, who played his junior rugby with West Bank Bears in Widnes.
“The deal came in pretty quickly so I took it with two hands.
“The moment I heard first-team and heard I was coming into this environment and the direction the club is going in, it was definitely a no-brainer.
“It’s what I’ve been working for since I was a kid, to go full-time at a Super League club, whether it was at St Helens or Wakefield. I’m here now and it’s just the start for me.”
It remains to be seen what type of player McGann will be, having played regularly in three different positions at St Helens.
“I wouldn’t put a stamp on my position, it’s anywhere in the backs really,” he added.
“This pre-season will be good for me to dip in and out of positions and see where I’m most comfortable.
“I started at halfback (with Saints’ Academy) and then went to fullback with injuries and stuff, then ended at centre. I was comfortable in all three.”
McGann is realistic that he begins at the bottom of the Wakefield pecking order, and will welcome any experience towards his main goal for the coming season.
“It’s making my Super League debut – fingers crossed, I’ll see where pre-season takes me,” he said.
“I imagine I’ll be playing quite a bit of reserves and maybe get out on loan, but the end goal is to make my debut here at Wakefield.
And further down the line? “I want to be playing consistently in Super League, and I want to win silverware.
“I definitely want to play at (Grand Final venue) Old Trafford, because I’m a United fan.”