Burgess’ praise for Warrington Wolves youngster

Burgess’ praise for Warrington Wolves youngster (Image: SWPix.com)

SINCE returning to the Warrington Wolves team, Matty Nicholson has been the model of consistency.

And while he insists he will guard against pushing the young back-rower too hard, head coach Sam Burgess believes The Wire have “a great player” both now and for the future.

A hernia injury meant the 20-year-old, who joined from Wigan Warriors midway through the 2022 season, missed the opening weeks of the season before returning in the Challenge Cup sixth round win over London Broncos.

Since then, he has been an ever-present and consistent performer on both sides of the ball.

He has been an attacking threat down the right flank, scoring three tries in his nine appearances while averaging over eight meters per spell, but his work in defense has caught the eye of late.

The last three games saw him make 150 tackles, breaking the team’s tackle charts in wins against Leigh, Hull FC and Hull KR, as well as the defeat to Salford.

With all that in mind, Burgess says he’s excited to see Nicholson “taking ownership” of his role within the team.

“He’s a good player,” the Wire boss said.

“He’s had a disrupted pre-season with injury but he’s a fit guy and he’s taken a bit of ownership of his role which has been good.

“He’s developing – I didn’t realize he made so many tackles.

“I know he’s in games because he’s a pretty consistent player.”

“I was impressed with his consistency. He’s still got some work to do but I think he’s only played about 30/35 games so he’s going to be a great player but we’ve just got to make sure we don’t push him too hard too soon.”

Nicholson was handed the number 13 shirt in pre-season, indicating more time in midfield for the England international with one cap.

However, Ben Currie’s form since moving to lose forward has seen him back on the right flank, and with Lachlan Fitzgibbon on the left, the team’s second row looks settled.

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Burgess did not rule out playing Nicholson in midfield, believing he would “bring value” both in that area and on the wings.

“I think he’s grown playing in the middle – obviously now he finds himself on the edge, but I think he brings value in both areas,” he said.

“In today’s game, it’s a valuable asset to be able to play both.

“I think in general the advantage keeps you out of most traffic, but judging by the stats, he works quite a bit.

“He’s a valuable asset to the team so we’re glad he’s finding some form.”