Rugby sucess for Cumbrian Teenager

31st January 2008

CUMBRIAN teenager Lee Mossop has moved a step closer to his Super League dream having been handed a first-team squad number with mighty Wigan for the new season.

The Whitehaven-born second-row is one of the three youngest players in coach Brian Noble’s 29-strong superstar squad and will proudly bear the No 27 shirt. “It doesn’t mean I’m going to play in Super League every week, but I’m now in the first-team squad,” he said. “I’m training with them every day, and Brian Noble sees you every day. He’s said that if I impress in the 21s he’ll put me in, so it’s up to me.

“I pick something new up in training every day. On Tuesday I was in the gym with Phil Bailey, who plays in my position, and he was giving me tips all the time how to get my shoulders stronger. “None of the players are muscle men, but you need strength and power.”

Mossop, who turned 19 last week signed a one-year full-time professional deal with Super League giants Wigan in November last year, and he will start the new season with the club’s high-flying Under-21 side. The former Hensingham junior signalled his potential when skippering England Academy Under-17s against the Australian Institute of Sport in 2006. He was out of action for four months late last year after suffering a fracture to his back but is now raring to go. “It hasn’t fully healed but the specialist who sees all the Liverpool and Man U players says a few players play with it,” he added. “You get pain now and again but it doesn’t stop you playing.” Mossop initially joined Wigan on a three-year part-time deal. He completed four A-levels last year and is taking a break from his academic studies.