Wigan coach hints at first team action for loanee after hat-trick on debut for new club

James Gordon
Zach Eckersley

Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com

Wigan coach Matt Peet wasn’t surprised by the impact young centre Zach Eckersley had on his debut for Championship side Widnes on Good Friday.

Eckersley, 19, scored a hat-trick for the Vikings in their 48-16 win at Swinton, including two long-range tries.

His first came with a good weaving run to back up Jack Owens picking up a loose ball in the first half. After the break, he broke a tackle and romped 80 metres to score and then wrapped up the nine-try victory with a length of the field interception try.

It was the perfect start for the Oldham-born centre, who was drafted in by Vikings coach John Kear on loan following their surprise cup exit to Dewsbury.

Kear said: “We knew he had great footwork and speed and he can defend. You can see he is a Wigan player in the making.

“All three tries were very good, he showed good footwork and good pace and that’s what you want from a three-quarter. So I’m really pleased for him, and really pleased with what he’s contributed to us.”

“You want lads to look like Wigan players”

A former Waterhead junior, Zach Eckersley made his Wigan debut in the double header Super League round last August as a substitute against Hull KR.

He gained further first team experience earlier this season in a month-loan loan at London Broncos, where he scored one try in four appearances.

Wigan coach Peet said: “It’s what we would expect. I think you want the lads to look like Wigan players whether they’re wearing a Wigan shirt or not.

“I’m really pleased with Zach at the weekend and he’s another quality player. It’s important that he features in our first team at some point this year.”

After starring for Widnes, Eckersley went to cheer on home town club Oldham and four Wigan team-mates in their League One fixture against Rochdale.

Half-back Logan Astley and centre Alex Sutton scored a brace of tries apiece as the Roughyeds won 56-16.

Fellow Warriors Jacob Douglas and Harvey Wilson also featured as part of the dual-registration partnership between the two clubs.

Putting some questions to the boss

Zach Eckersley signed for Widnes on an initial one-month loan, but after this Sunday’s home game against Barrow the Vikings don’t play until May 8.

That won’t stop him wanting to make an impact though, and he was pleased with the start he made in Widnes colours.

Speaking after the game, he said: “It was great. The lads helped me through the game, and I suppose a hat-trick is the best way to start the season for Widnes.

“At the start of the season, a few of us [from Wigan] went out on loan, so it’s a bit of a new experience compared to that.

“In the reserves competition, there’s not many games this year, and obviously we’re knocking on the door of the first team. There’s competition back at Wigan, so this is a good way to get game time.

“I loved training through the week, and I suppose the game went as good as it can really.

“I started well, but I want to create good mates and be in an environment with a new group of lads and experience something different to Wigan.

“[It’s all about] game time and playing well really so I can put some questions to the boss at Wigan.”

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