BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Zach Eckersley’s ninth first-team game for Wigan is set to be the 2024 Challenge Cup final against Warrington at Wembley.
With the suspension of Adam Keighran, the Warriors need a centre to slot into their backline. And the tall 20-year-old from Oldham is in the box seat to fill that role.
Wigan could arguably go a number of different ways at centre this weekend. With Willie Isa injured, they could throw utility Ryan Hampshire in here, they could move Liam Farrell from the back-row, or even select forwards Sam Walters or Junior Nsemba in the backline. All would be risky ploys.
The safest bet is to go with Eckesley.
A product of Waterhead, the same amateur club that produced Kevin Sinfield, Paul Sculthorpe and Barrie McDermott, he has a great pedigree.
Eckersley’s father Chris was a winger for Oldham and Warrington in the 1990s. His grandfather Graham Eckersley was a winger for Oldham Rugby Union club before that.
Zach joined Wigan’s scholarship at 14 and has worked his way up the ranks. He made his Super League debut in 2022 at the age of 18, against Hull KR, and has made six first-team appearances this year, including scoring an eye-catching long-distance try against London.
Those who know the centre describe him as a pure athlete who is very fit.
“He stood out at every level for me,” a Wigan insider told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads.
“Plenty of pace and can kick goals. He’s a very polite and respectful individual, typical of all the lads who have progressed through the Academy at Wigan.”
At 1.91 metres and 93 kilograms, he possesses both size and speed. In his youth Eckersley was a sprinter for Oldham and Royton Harriers, and represented Oldham and Greater Manchester schools.
Able to play centre or fullback, the redhead can kick goals and gained experience in the Championship on loan last year. He scored a try in four games for London, bagged five tries in eight appearances for Widnes and also played three games for Barrow.
Eckersley impressed during his stint at Widnes.
“He is a talent,” a Vikings insider told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads.
“John Kear liked him. We could have done with him for longer. He was highly rated. He will do well at Wembley. It’s a great opportunity for him.”
In October Eckersley was player of the match as Wigan beat St Helens 24-0 in the reserve grade grand final.
Last Saturday he proved a handful as Wigan defeated Warrington at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The Saddleworth native made four tackle busts and 101 metres from 16 carriers.
Now Eckersley gets the chance to etch his name in history at Wembley. Wigan CEO Kris Radlinski is confident the outside back is up to it.
“Zach is a very calm and assured individual,” Radlinski said.
“He will not be phased by the challenge of the weekend. A really balanced runner of the rugby ball with good footwork, a burst of speed and some solid technical skills.
“We are all excited to see him take this opportunity. He carries himself very well for a young man, unassuming and respectful.
“He will have a big future in the game.”
