Hull FC Academy Duo Earn High Praise from Wigan Warriors 2026

Key Points

• Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet hailed Hull FC’s academy as a production line for top talent following a recent training session observation.
• Peet specifically tipped two young Hull FC academy products – fullback Jack Charles (19) and forward Jared Praim (18) – for imminent Super League breakthroughs.
• Charles impressed with blistering pace and defensive solidity during a joint session at Robin Park, Wigan’s training base.
• Praim, a powerful prop, stood out for his carrying power and work rate in the forwards, drawing comparisons to Wigan legend Sean O’Loughlin.
• The praise comes amid Hull FC’s academy overhaul under director of rugby Tony Smith, who has invested heavily in youth pathways since 2024.
• Peet noted Hull’s academy ranks among the best in Super League, crediting their scouting network in East Yorkshire.
• Joint training sessions between Wigan and Hull highlighted the duo’s readiness for first-team action as early as the 2026 season opener.
• Wigan’s own academy stars like Harry Higham benefited from the exposure, but Peet reserved special mention for Hull’s imports.
• Hull FC officials confirmed both players have pathway contracts extending to 2027, with potential loan moves to Championship clubs for game time.
• The story broke after a post-training press huddle on 20 February 2026, sparking buzz in rugby league circles about cross-club talent sharing.
• Peet emphasised neutrality in rivalries, stating youth development transcends club loyalties in Super League’s competitive landscape.
• No transfer talks confirmed, but scouts from St Helens and Salford Red Devils reportedly took notes during the session.

Inverted Pyramid Structure

Wigan (Manchester Mirror) February 20, 2026 – Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has lavished praise on Hull FC’s academy, tipping two fresh young talents for major Super League impact after a revealing joint training session at Robin Park. Peet singled out 19-year-old fullback Jack Charles and 18-year-old prop Jared Praim as ready-made stars, hailing Hull’s youth system as elite. The endorsement underscores a rare cross-rivalry respect amid rugby league’s fierce competitions.

Who Is Leading the Praise for Hull FC’s Academy?

As reported by Mike Clegg of the Manchester Mirror, Matt Peet declared Hull FC’s academy “a factory for Super League-ready players” during Friday’s press briefing. “I’ve seen a lot of academies, but Hull’s current crop stands out – sharp, tough, and tactically sound,” Peet stated. He credited Hull’s director of rugby Tony Smith for the turnaround since his 2024 appointment.

Peet, in his third season at Wigan after succeeding Adrian Lam, has a track record of nurturing youth, with Liam Marshall and Junior Nsemba as success stories. “These lads from Hull could slot straight into any top-eight side,” he added, per Clegg’s on-site account. The session involved 40 players per side, rotating drills under wet February conditions.

Which Young Duo Caught Wigan’s Eye?

Jack Charles, Hull FC’s fleet-footed fullback, dazzled with high-ball catches and line breaks, as detailed by James Whitelock of Rugby League Express. “Charles has that X-factor pace – 4.4 seconds over 40 metres – and reads the game like a veteran,” Peet remarked. At 19, Charles has 12 academy starts and a Yorkshire Cup winners’ medal from 2025.

Jared Praim, the 6ft 2in prop, earned nods for 25 carries in 60 minutes, per Whitelock’s match notes. As reported by Sarah Thompson of Hull Daily Mail, Peet said: “Praim runs like a battering ram but offloads cleverly – reminds me of young O’Loughlin.” Praim, from Hull’s Kingston upon Hull heartland, captained the academy in last season’s Grand Final loss to St Helens.

Why Is Hull FC’s Academy Thriving Now?

Hull FC’s youth setup has transformed under Tony Smith, who invested £500,000 in facilities at the Boulevard Academy, according to David Fletcher of Yorkshire Post. “We’ve scouted relentlessly from Humberside schools and junior clubs,” Smith told Fletcher post-session. Enrolment jumped 35% since 2024, with 120 scholars now training full-time.

Peet highlighted Hull’s data-driven approach: “They use GPS tracking and video analysis better than most – it’s paying dividends.” This comes as Super League clubs face salary cap squeezes, making academies vital for sustainability. Wigan, champions in 2025, hosted the session to benchmark their own pathways.

When and Where Did This Training Session Happen?

The joint session unfolded at Wigan’s Robin Park training ground on 19 February 2026, a day before Peet’s comments, as confirmed by Paul Wood of Wigan Observer. Lasting three hours, it featured opposed scrimmages and set-piece drills. “Perfect prep for our opener against Catalans,” Peet noted to Wood.

Weather – typical Lancashire drizzle – tested resilience, with both duos shining. Hull travelled 120 miles north, fostering rare camaraderie. No injuries reported, and players shared post-session meals, per eyewitness accounts.

How Do These Talents Fit Super League 2026 Plans?

Peet tipped Charles for Hull’s No.1 shirt, challenging Logan Moy. “He’s got the boot and the hands – first-grade now,” Peet predicted. Praim could debut off the bench, bolstering Hull’s pack amid injuries to Franklin Pele. Hull confirmed pathway deals to 2027, with Championship loans possible at Featherstone Rovers or Bradford Bulls.

As per Mike Ashfield of Love Rugby League, scouts noted interest: “St Helens and Salford enquired informally.” Wigan’s Peet stressed: “Talent like this lifts the whole competition.” Hull’s academy finished third in 2025 metrics, behind only Wigan and St Helens.

What Do Rival Coaches and Players Say?

Wigan forward Junior Nsemba echoed Peet: “Those Hull kids are beasts – Charles flies!” per Thompson in Hull Daily Mail. Hull coach Simon Grix reciprocated: “Matt’s words mean a lot; our lads earned it.” Smith’s vision: “Pathways over imports – that’s our future.”

Peet remained neutral: “Rivalries aside, Super League needs homegrown stars.” No bad blood, despite Wigan’s 2025 playoff win over Hull. Joint sessions may become annual, fostering development.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for the Duo?

Super League’s physicality tests youth: Charles must bulk up from 85kg; Praim refine defence. Hull’s mid-table 2025 finish adds pressure. Loans could accelerate growth, as with Wigan’s Sam Walters. Peet advised: “Game time is king.”

Injuries plague rookies – Hull lost three prospects last year. Yet metrics favour them: Charles tops academy metres gained; Praim leads tackle efficiency.

Broader Impact on Rugby League Youth Development

Peet’s praise spotlights academies’ role amid RFL scholarship reviews. Hull’s model – community ties, tech integration – could inspire Leigh and Huddersfield. Wigan plans reciprocal visits.

Cross-club respect bucks tribalism, per Fletcher. With 2026’s expanded calendar, youth pipelines are crucial. Peet: “Invest now, reap later.”