Wigan winger Jack Douglas and forward Junior Nsemba have joined Championship side Whitehaven on a month’s loan.
The pair follow Harvie Hill and Zack Eckersley out of the door at the DW Stadium, after they signed with London Broncos on a similar basis earlier this week.
The quartet look set to go head to head in Cumbria this weekend, when the Broncos travel to the Recre. A fifth Warrior, Brazilian forward Ramon Silva, is also on loan at London.
Whitehaven coach Jonty Gorley said: “After seeing the duo when we took on Wigan and seeing how athletic they are I jumped at the opportunity to bring them in once they become available as they fill gaps in positions where we are short.
“We’ve seen what they can in the game against ourselves, Junior was a danger all afternoon while when Jacob got the ball in space he’s got pace to burn. It’s good to be able have them in the squad for the next few weeks.”
Another step in the journey
Douglas was handed a first team squad number after signing a two-year contract in January, completing his journey through the club’s scholarship and academy systems.
At the time of his signing, Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski was full of praise for his progress, which included recovering from a broken collarbone and missing out due to the COVID pandemic during his junior years.
Radlinski said: “Jacob’s story is a great and inspiring one. He has overcome injury as a youngster and worked so hard to get his chance and he has been a revelation in pre-season.
“When he told the senior squad that he would be joining them full time, the room cheered and they mobbed him out of respect. It is a great lesson for any young player. We all can’t wait to work with him and see where his career takes him.”
Highly-rated young forward
Prop or back-rower Junior Nsemba, 18, came through the ranks at Wigan St Judes and made his Super League debut against Hull KR last year.
He scored five tries in six appearances for Wigan reserves in 2022, scored a hat-trick against London in an academy game and was named the club’s Academy Player of the Year.
Director Ashley Kilpatrick added: “We’re delighted to bring the lads up for the next month and good for us to be able to bring the youngsters into the club. I think this show the good working partnership with Wigan that started with Darrell Goulding and now with Shane Eccles. I had a good conversation with Shane when we played Wigan as well as Matty Peet about getting players on loan.
“We’re excited to get Junior and Jacob on board for the next month. Junior was one of the top targets to try and get on loan if we got the chance because of highly rated he is at the club. Similarly Jacob has just been promoted to the first team squad and showed his speed against us back in the friendly and we are hoping he’ll get the opportunity to show that this time in a Haven shirt.”
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