WIGAN WARRIORS have promoted their Academy player Jacob Douglas into their first-team, signing a two-year contract with him, with the option of a third year.
Douglas, 18, joined the Warriors’ Scholarship and Academy system in 2019, but in his first season he suffered a broken collarbone and he was out of action in 2020 because of the pandemic.
But the winger was a consistent starter for the Wigan Academy side in 2021, as well as the Reserves and Academy teams in 2022. He also featured in Wigan’s 42-12 pre-season win over Newcastle Thunder last year.
Speaking about his contract, Douglas said: “I’d been training with the first team for about a month before December. Me and Matt (Peet) had a few conversations about how I was doing and he was pleased.
“I was offered a full-time deal which I was over the moon with. It’s two years with another year option, so hopefully I’ll be here for the next three-years.”
Wigan Executive Director Kris Radlinski added: “Jacob’s story is a great and inspiring one. He has overcome injury as a youngster and worked so hard to get his chance and he has been a revelation in pre-season.
“When he told the senior squad that he would be joining them full time, the room cheered and they mobbed him out of respect. It is a great lesson for any young player. We all can’t wait to work with him and see where his career takes him.”
This article comes from this week’s issue of League Express. You can take out a subscription by going to https://www.totalrl.com/league-express/
