Jacob Douglas Among Young Guns Eyeing First-Team Breakthrough at Wigan Warriors

Wigan Warriors’ youth system is flourishing, with promising academy graduate Jacob Douglas among the latest wave of talent vying for a spot in the club’s senior squad. The 20-year-old winger made his Super League debut in the June 1st victory over Warrington Wolves and was an unused substitute in the June 21st home win against London Broncos.

While established wingers Liam Marshall and Abbas Miski remain Matt Peet’s first-choice options, Douglas is tipped for a bright future with the Warriors. The Oldham-born talent came through the renowned Waterhead Warriors community club, with Wigan head coach Peet recently praising the club’s role in developing Douglas and his teammate Zach Eckersley.

“Zach and Jacob have now progressed at the club to join the first team squad for 2023 and hopefully long beyond,” Peet wrote in a letter to Waterhead. “As I’m sure you will know, Zach and Jacob have all the characteristics that we look for – hardworking, dedicated and humble to name a few.”

After joining Wigan’s scholarship and academy system in 2019, Douglas has steadily worked his way up the ranks. Despite suffering a broken collarbone and missing the 2020 season due to the pandemic, the talented winger has impressed for the Warriors’ academy and reserve teams in recent years.

“Dougie was a bit later going full-time than Zach but he impressed in the 2023 pre-season with the reserves and the academy,” said Wigan’s academy head coach John Duffy. “Matt was really happy with him and made him full-time as we were going into last season.”

Known for his speed, power, and natural finishing ability, Douglas has gained valuable experience on loan at Whitehaven, Oldham, Bradford Bulls, and Barrow Raiders. Duffy believes the exposure to the physical demands of the Championship and League 1 will stand the youngster in good stead as he continues his development.

“It always stands you in good stead as a young player when you’re playing in the Championship against older players,” Duffy explained. “It’s really good for confidence as well. Super League is faster but not as physical, so the Championship holds them in good stead when they get called upon.”

With Wigan’s conveyor belt of academy talent continuing to produce exciting prospects, Douglas will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of his teammates and cement his place in the first-team squad. As the Oldham native’s journey continues, rugby league enthusiasts will be keeping a close eye on this promising young winger’s progress in the Betfred Super League.

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