WIGAN WARRIORS team chief Matt Peet believes his new 20-year-old forward Finn McMillan has a big future – thanks to both renowned Barrow coach Paul Crarey and the Cumbrian club’s development side Furness Raiders.
Versatile McMillan, tracked by a number of Super League outfits, has been in the Barrow system for ten years and played 13 times for the first team across the last two seasons.
That tally looks set to increase since the terms of the transfer allow for the player, who had been under contract for next season, to continue to turn out for the Raiders if not needed by the Warriors, where he has penned a two-year deal with a club option for twelve more months.
The arrangement is similar to that of George Hirst, the 24-year-old backrow who after joining Wigan from Oldham, turned out 21 times for the Roughyeds last season.
Wigan’s latest arrival is the son of former Barrow back Paul McMillan, who coached him at both community club Roose Pioneers and Furness Raiders.
He represented Cumbria in the recent 70-6 victory over Nigeria at Barrow’s Northern Competitions Stadium, and Peet said: “Finn caught our eye with performances for Barrow and we fully believe he has the potential to develop into a first-team player.
“He will continue to play for Barrow alongside training full-time here.
“Barrow, in particular Paul Crarey, should be congratulated for the work they’ve done with him.
“He joins a group of strong and determined group of young forwards at our club whom we expect to dominate for many years to come.”
McMillan said: “I’ve supported Wigan since I was a kid and it’s a dream come true to be signing. To have the opportunity to play for them is unreal.
“I want to thank my family for helping me out along the way, especially my dad, who coached me growing up.
“I’d also like to thank Barrow for developing me and understanding it’s a big opportunity for me and allowing me to pursue it.”
McMillan is Wigan’s fourth close-season signing after Huddersfield prop Oliver Wilson and St Helens outside backs Jonny Vaughan and Dayon Sambou.
However it’s feared Wilson could miss the entire 2026 season with an Achilles tendon injury sustained in training.