SIX players from Chester Gladiators’ thriving junior section have taken the first steps on the road to winning contracts with Super League giants Warrington Wolves.

Lewis Tucker, Armani Roberts, Ryan Turner, Thomas Woods, Luke White and Jake Carter have been selected for the Wolves’ talent identification development squads after being put forward by their club.

The rising stars will now be given the chance to impress coaches at the reigning Challenge Cup holders in a bid to seal a place in the Wolves’ famed academy ranks.

Gladiators junior coach Allen Jones said: “This is a real positive endorsement of what we are trying to do here at the Gladiators.

“We concentrate on developing core skills, game awareness and team spirit. Results are secondary at the moment to developing the boys’ skills and understanding of the game.

“In reality we could have nominated another six or eight boys if we were able to. There is so much potential across all the age groups here and we hope to be allowed to nominate more juniors next season.”

The Gladiators senior side, meanwhile, complete their regular Rugby League Conference North West campaign at home to Crewe & Nantwich Steamers on Saturday.

Check www.chestergladiators.com for confirmation of the kick-off time.