Wigan Warriors and fellow Super League club argued to have best academy as rugby league fans have their say

Wigan Warriors broke a 41-year record during their victory over Bradford Bulls, after they started their youngest halves pairing since 1985.

George Marsden, 17, made his debut for the club, and he partnered Jack Farrimond, 20, in a 38-14 win over Kurt Haggerty’s men.

Marsden more than looked the part, providing a key hand in Wigan’s attack. He provided the assist to Noah Hodkinson’s line break, which in turn sent Jai Field over for his second try – a move that has handed him plenty of plaudits from fans of all clubs.

In defence, he stood up well, making 17 tackles with a 90% efficiency rate. Farrimond meanwhile had to take the lead, despite only being a youngster himself.

With no senior player, let alone senior half-back alongside him, Saturday’s game proved to be a completely different test for the prospect, who handled it brilliantly and was named the Player of the Match on Sky Sports.

In that win over Bradford, the halves pair were two of a huge 10 players to be named by Matt Peet who had emerged from Wigan’s esteemed academy.

Noah Hodkinson and Zach Eckersley both lined up on the wing, with Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill and Junior Nsemba a few more homegrown products who featured.

Oliver Partington and veteran Liam Farrell rounded out the first 13, and another debutant, Josh Cartwright, was player number 10 of the academy representatives.

With so many players included, and the majority of those still being very young – only Farrell and Partington are over the age of 26 – it posed the question of whether Wigan had the best academy in Super League.

That debate was held on the Serious About Rugby League Facebook page, where you can still add your opinion, should you wish.

Rugby League fans debate whether Wigan Warriors have best academy in Super League

The responses were very mixed, with many arguing that longevity means that Wigan take the spoils, due to the club having to many players featuring for other teams in the competition.

Mark Baker: Look at the rest of the league and see how many Wigan academy products are in their squads. That answers your question

Richard Oggy Stanton: It’s not even a debate. Look over the years how many players they have produced not only that go on to play for the first team, but for other SL teams and Championship teams.

Jamie Ratchford: Of course, look at how many of ex Wigan academy players are at other clubs now and throughout the years.

Marg Jennings: You Betta believe it , those youngsters are the future and good on them they got where they are through hard work and a shed load of talent.

Liam Hughes: By a mile! Look how many Wigan graduates are playing in super league tells you all you need to know

However, in the here and now, one other club have pushed their way to the top, and after a very successful 2025 season, they are now reaping the rewards.

Mike Paul Rathbone: More recently I’d say we (Wire) have caught up. Think our academy won there GF last year and a few are actually coming through into first team. Thewlis brothers, Lindop, CTW, Webster, Thomas, Irwin

Jack Broadstock: Wire have took over now but definitely in the past Wigan

Mitch Lears: I mean lately it’s wire surely. Academy went unbeaten last year. Reserves also got the gf . Over the last decade definitely Wigan.