Academy trio train with First Team in Tenerife
Wigan Warriors have welcomed three academy players into their first team squad for their warm weather training camp in Tenerife.
Wigan Today journalist Drew Darbyshire, who has provided an insight into the Warriors’ pre-season camp in the Canary Islands, sat down with George Marsden, Jovi Bentley-Elliott and Charlie Jeffrey-Stott to reflect on the experience.
Matt Peet has taken a large playing squad to Tenerife as his side’s preparations ramp up ahead of the 2026 Betfred Super League season, which starts in less than a month at Castleford Tigers.
Marsden, who signed his first contract with Wigan’s Scholarship programme in 2022 after progressing through the junior ranks at Golborne Parkside, revealed the special moment Peet shared the news he’d be part of the travelling squad.
“I was three or four years old when I first went down to Golborne Parkside,” the 17-year-old told Wigan Today. “1 played at Golborne for 12 years, we did well, we had a good team and won a few trophies. I signed a Scholarship contract with Wigan when I was 14, and then I joined the Academy.”
The Warrington-born half-back added: “[I was told] about a week ago. I was having a meeting and an appraisal, which we often have, and Matty came in and said, ‘If we need you, are you ready to come’? It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, and I was buzzing as not many people get this.”
Similarly, Jeffrey-Stott, who started playing rugby union before moving to rugby league with Wigan St Patricks aged six, shared his excitement on the opportunity to develop his game.
“I’ve loved every minute of it so far at Wigan,” said the 16-year-old, who joined his hometown Club’s Academy after two years as a St. Helens Scholar. “Matty told me towards the backend of the year that [Tenerife] might be going ahead, and it got confirmed last Sunday.”
The former Shevington Sharks junior added: “It’s a privilege to come on a trip with some of the best rugby league players there are. If you surround yourself with good players, it only brings you on. It might challenge you in some bits, and you might not be up to their level in some areas, but it brings you up slowly – it’s a great opportunity.”
Towering centre Bentley-Elliott, who played his junior rugby for Halifax-based Greetland Allrounders, is a new addition to the Academy having spent his Scholarship years at Huddersfield Giants.
Reflecting on the training camp, the 17-year-old told Wigan Today: “It’s been class. All the lads, coaches and staff have all helped us settle in massively, so I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Speaking on the trio, Reserves head coach, John Duffy added: “George was training with the First Team for a bit towards the backend of last season. He’s a real good player with a massive future, so he’s deserved his place to come. The other lads are new Academy recruits for this year, so Matty offering them the opportunity to see how it’s done first-hand is fantastic for their development – they’ll be blown away.”
