In the midst of the Challenge Cup Final, Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock has hailed Wigan Warriors for the ‘cultural pillar’ that is their approach to youth development, claiming it’s something that has always and will continue to create legacies.
The latest Wigan Warriors’ academy product to write their name into the history books was 20-year-old stand-off Jack Farrimond whose two-try performance saw him voted as a deserving Lance Todd Trophy winner.
All the talk in the week was if Bevan French would return to play, something that likely took pressure off Farrimond but his performance was one that indicates he doesn’t feel pressure as he took the game by the scruff of the neck.
For pundit Jamie Peacock, Farrimond’s performance was a sign of what Wigan Warriors do right and that is their culture of constantly promoting youth to the forefront.
Speaking on the BBC post-match coverage after the Warriors’ 40-10 win over Hull KR, Peacock said: “Matty Peet questioned Saints a while ago about how do you build a culture and about what they were doing bringing players in on loan.
“Farrimond and his performance, how does that build a culture to all the five, six, or seven-year-olds within Wigan who are playing and thinking, ‘I’ve got a chance here, in 12 years’ time, I could play at Wembley, I’ll get an opportunity to do that’, and I just think it’s such a cultural pillar for Wigan.”
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Pundit Jon Wilkin agreed, highlighting that fans feel a stronger connection to the homegrown talents, something that can only serve to inspire the next generation after the likes of Farrimond.
Wilkin argued: “There’s a connection between young local players and the fans that resonates louder and deeper than a connection with any other player.
“I think of the teams I’ve played in, James Roby’s connection with the fans was different, and I think Jack Farrimond has the opportunity as a young Wiganer starting at Wigan, to connect with the fans, because it is a pathway that you’re shining a light on.
“If you’re young, and you play rugby in Wigan, you have a chance of doing what Jack Farrimond has done.”
In response, Peacock agreed: “I really believe that, I believe that legacies are built out of teams who bring in young players and give them a chance. We’ve seen that in the 30 years of Super League, time and time again.
“When I was playing at Leeds, I reckon I knew half the crowd and it’s a big thing to know the people there.”
Peacock went on to ask Wigan head coach Matt Peet about Farrimond and the decision to play him over French, with Peet admitting that the Warriors would not have made the final without the 20-year-old.
Peet said: “We need them players to step up in this club, him, Noah (Hodkinson), Zach Eckersley, Junior (Nsemba), Ethan (Havard), that’s what we’re built on, so ultimately we look intelligent because they deliver.”
As for his comments about St Helens and their lack of identity, something Peacock expressed he was ‘glad’ Peet said, when loaning in Bill Leyland instead of promoting youth, Peet conceded: “I probably should have kept my mouth shut, I got a bit giddy about other clubs, but I am passionate about the way we do it, and how we always will, and we’re fortunate we sit on a hotbed, aren’t we?”
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