Wigan Warriors youngster Kian McDermott has outlined his 2026 motivations with the prop possibly in line for a new chance.
McDermott made his Super League debut for the club in 2025, playing against Salford in round 13 before then also making the trip to Perpignan to face Catalans later in the year.
Those appearances came in between games out on loan with London Broncos where McDermott was joined by Lukas Mason and now both youngsters could have growing roles in 2026.
It’s been reported by All Out Rugby League that Wigan Warriors’ star signing for 2026, Oliver Wilson, has injured his Achilles and will miss the entire campaign.
With Tyler Dupree and Harvey Makin both loaned out and Liam Byrne and Harvie Hill leaving this off-season, a larger role could be presented to the likes of McDermott and/or Makin, whilst Wigan may also explore the market to sign a replacement.
McDermott has spoken to club media, before the reports of Wilson’s injury, to reflect on his time at London, his Super League appearances so far and what’s still to come.
Wigan Warriors teen on tough pre-season
McDermott made a total of nine appearances with London in 2025, debuting in the Challenge Cup back in January with his most recent appearance coming in July.
On his time in the capital, the 19-year-old 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.”
That professional mindset and the game time against men, as opposed to playing in the academy against fellow youngsters, enabled McDermott to make the step up to Super League, as he explained: ” 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.”
As for 2026 and the pre-season so far, the teen said: “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.”
Wigan Warriors will play twice in pre-season with games lines up away to North Wales Crusaders and at home against Hull FC, with the latter being Liam Marshall’s testimonial.
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