TEENAGE rugby player Ben Warburton has signed for Betfred Super League giants Warrington Wolves.
The 14-year-old from Millbrook, who plays prop or loose forward, will begin a two-year scholarship with Wolves in September.
Ben, who is in Year 9 at Mossley Hollins High School, was scouted by Wolves while playing for St Helens-based side Blackbrook Royals.
Ben, along with parents Paul and Jill, were invited to Wolves’ Super League match against St Helens when he met the club’s CEO along with current and former players and was presented with his new shirt before the game.
He began playing the 15-player game for Glossop RUFC Under-9s before being asked by Ryan Knight to join Saddleworth Rangers for whom he represented between U9 to U13.
Ryan’s son Harry also played for Glossop RUFC and they both moved to Saddleworth Rangers and last season to Blackbrook Royals with Ben, a former pupil at Millbrook Primary, and Harry both scouted by Wolves.
Both players will still play for Royals next season but will also train with Wolves and play for their scholarship side.
Ben, whose goal is to gain a full-time academy contract aged 16, was also a talented footballer who starred for Ashton United before being forced to give it up because of his rugby commitments.
Andy Doodson, deputy head of arts and sports at Mossley Hollins High School, said: “This is an outstanding achievement for Ben and something that he should be very proud of.
“We would like to wish him the best of luck with the start of his new career at Warrington Wolves.”