ONE of the biggest challenges the rebooted season could pose for Super League head coaches is a congested fixture list.

Wednesday night matches in particular may see Steve Price and co hand first team opportunities to players on the fringes of their squads and academy graduates.

Now a key player in the Warrington Wolves pack, Joe Philbin worked his way up through the Wire’s youth system.

So we asked him to pick out some of the youngsters who he thinks could make an impact for Wolves now the action is back underway.

Ellis Robson

“He’s one of the fittest and most reliable players you could dream of having.

Warrington Guardian:

“If he got a chance, I know me and everyone else in the team would have 100 per cent trust that he’d fit straight in.

“That’s all you really want from somebody when they’re making their debut, that you trust them.”

Riley Dean

“I’ve got a soft spot for Riley, I really like him – he’s a good lad.

“He’s got this show and go and you don’t know when it’s coming, he’s already made many people look foolish and I think he could be a number six at the club for a good time to come.”

Warrington Guardian:

Luis Johnson

“There are a few lads who’ve already had a taste but fans might not have seen too much of, and Luis Johnson is one of them.

“He was absolutely flying in pre-season, he was really impressive but he picked up a hamstring injury sadly.

Warrington Guardian:

“I’m sure he would have featured if it wasn’t for that.”

Eribe Doro

“I’m very excited about Eribe, it’s like he’s been shot out of a cannon.

“I particularly like him because that’s my style of play, he’s my type of player – he’s all effort, all energy.

Warrington Guardian: Warrington Wolves forward Eribe Doro, who was 18th man for Saturday's cup tie with Bradford Bulls. Picture: Mike Boden

“It’s hard being a young player at Warrington, because at a lot of other clubs quality players like him would already be playing week-in, week-out.

“But all you need as a young lad is one shot, and when Eribe gets his shot people will be saying ‘who’s this guy?’.

“He’s a good lad and he works hard – he’s not scared of anyone, so it will be great when he gets his opportunity.”

Cole Oakley

“We call him John Cena Jr, he’s a great player.”

Warrington Guardian:

Nathan Roebuck

“He’s about 6ft10 and he’s built like Arnold Schwarzenegger – he’s come back after lockdown looking unbelievable.

“He’s a big centre or winger and he’s another one to watch out for – he’s massive, twice the size of me.”

Warrington Guardian:

Josh Thewlis

“He made his debut last season, and there’s plenty more to come from him.

“He’s one of the most professional young players I’ve seen.

Warrington Guardian:

“Usually you become more professional the older you get, but Josh has got his head screwed on and I know he’s going to go far in the game.”

Keanan Brand

“Keanan has been unbelievable.

“It’s hard when you’ve got Anthony Gelling and Toby King ahead of you, you have to wait for your chance.

“He’s in a different position, because he’s played a few seasons in the men’s game and really excelled – he was one of Widnes’ best players.”

Warrington Guardian:

Connor Wrench

“He was England Academy captain, he’s a really good back rower and hopefully he will get a chance.”

Warrington Guardian:

Samy Kibula

“Big Kibby is a quality player.

“He’s like a halfback in a prop’s body – he’s got nice hands and he’s a big, aggressive lad.”

Warrington Guardian:

Ellis Longstaff

“He’s another back rower.

“He came out to Portugal with us during pre-season and he had a red hot crack.”

Warrington Guardian:

Philbin also has some valuable advice for how to cope with the pressure of playing in Super League.

The 25-year-old said: “It’s all about effort – if you walk off the pitch having given your all, Price will be proud of you.

“We’re not robots, and you’re not going to be perfect when you first come into the first team.

“Do your preparation, work hard and if you’ve got a weakness then practice on it every day to make yourself better.

“Work on yourself every day, because if you want to be a part of a quality team then these are the lengths you have to go to.

“I’ve rubbed shoulders with some great players in these changing rooms, but the one thing they all have in common is that they’re never satisfied with where they’re at and they’re always bettering themselves."