McDermott building from experience
Kian McDermott has discussed gaining valuable loan experience, earning first team minutes and learning through pre-season.
The former Wigan St Patrick’s junior, who signed his first contract with the Warriors Scholarship programme in 2021, has risen through the ranks to represent the Club at Academy, Reserves and First Team level.
One of five Academy players promoted to the First Team ahead of the 2025 campaign, McDermott played nine loan matches for London Broncos across the year which saw the prop forward feature in the Championship, Challenge Cup and 1895 Cup.
The move to London created new opportunities on and off the pitch for McDermott, who discussed overcoming the challenges of being away from home for the first time.
“I moved with Lukas [Mason] and we lived in a flat for four to five weeks,” he said. “It was the first time I’d lived away from home, and while it was difficult at the start, it was good to see if I could look after myself properly. The biggest thing was staying professional and making sure you’re doing the right things like eating well. It was good moving to London, and it’s an experience I enjoyed.”
The 19-year-old started six matches across three spells at the Broncos, including a dramatic home victory over Featherstone Rovers which saw fellow Wigan loanee Taylor Kerr cross for the winning try in the final seconds.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity London gave me,” McDermott said. “A new environment was something I wasn’t used to, but it was good to step up. I was able to get valuable game time under my belt which has been massive for my development. My time at London prepared me for playing against bigger bodies which set me up for my Super League debut.”
McDermott, who was an ever-present member of the Warriors Reserves side in 2025, was rewarded with his First Team debut against Salford Red Devils before further minutes off the bench in an away win at Catalans Dragons.
“[My debut] was all I wanted to do, so it was a special and proud day for me and the family,” McDermott said. “[Catalans] was something new as I’d never done the trip before. I didn’t expect to play to be honest, but as the game got closer Matt [Peet] said to me I’d be on the bench. The most important thing in both matches was preparing right and putting my best foot forward to impress.”
As the third pre-season week comes to a close, McDermott discussed his motivation heading into the upcoming campaign.
“It’s tough, but I’m enjoying getting to the best version of myself – fitter, bigger and faster. I always like to return fit so I spend a lot of time in the off-season running and training in the gym. I’m just trying to do everything I can do put my best foot forward for the season.”
