Quote ="Winslade's Offload"That was the best academy team (U20's at the time) that we have ever produced. We won the league winning 20 games from 24, losing to Wigan and beating them once. We should have won the championship but as usual, Wigan grit and determination won out on the day watched by a crowd of 1500 at the HJ. Some of the notable names that played; Toby King and brother George, Jack Johnson, Sam Wilde, Phibs of course, Dec Patton, Harvey Livett, Mike Nicholas's son Morgan and Louis Jouffret.
As somebody pointed out, Philbin had played 3 games in the first team that year (plus two for Swinton) and he was a handful. During the year he was 3rd top try scorer with 18 behind Jack Johnson. (wing) 22 and Toby King (24) whom I remember TS saying was "too good to be playing in the U20's".
We could do with a few more academy years like 2014.'"
It was a great contest all year. Wigan lost 4 out of their 1st 5 games before absolutely battering St Helens then barely lost another game all season. Warringtons side were great to watch and any game involving any of those three and you could add Leeds and Cas at that time and they were great contests generally.
Toby King looked a level above as you say and also a lot of promise elsewhere in the side.
