Bursting onto the scene as an 18-year-old for the London Broncos, Matt Davis has since become an entrenched Super League star with the Warrington Wolves. But, Davis’ path into the sport is relatively unique.

Born in Burbage, Leicestershire, rugby union was the name of the game. Yet, thanks to a friend, the switch to the 13-a-side was made and the rampaging forward has not looked back since.

“I’d always watched rugby league growing up as a young lad, despite playing union,” Davis told Everything Rugby League.

“My mate got me into playing for the local team Leicester Storm and I went from there to the Midlands Regional Academy which was ran by a good mate of mine – Steve Crooks.

“We were based at Loughborough University and we trained full-time – a few boys have gone on to make professional appearances.

“From this program, I had a trial at the Broncos and signed a contract after playing a couple of games.

“Danny Ward was the academy coach and was class with me in my first year.”

Davis became an integral cog in the London wheel, and helped the club earn promotion back to Super League in 2018, winning the Players’ Player of the Year award in the process. It was an achievement that the 24-year-old will never forget.

“It was a mad feeling; the boys we had down there were family and it meant so much to get promoted in an up-and-down season.

“I’d been there for five years so I was very emotional.”

The back-rower was a bit-part player for Warrington at the start of 2019 with loans to Rochdale and former club London adding to his experience. Davis’ patience paid off though as he earned an extended run in the side, and even turned out for the Wolves in their 18-4 Challenge Cup triumph against St Helens.

“It was very memorable; I loved every minute of the Wembley trip.

“It was an unreal game to play in, we were massive underdogs and we defied the odds.

“It was a massive achievement for me and my family to win the Challenge Cup and I’ve got a lot of fond memories from it.

“Not many lads from Leicester win one of those.”

Going from strength-to-strength, Davis has become an important player for Steve Price, so much so that he recently put pen to paper on a new two-year deal. For the forward, it was an easy decision to make.

“I am very happy to stay at Warrington; I feel like I’m really settling into a role with the club and I’m enjoying playing with the boys.

“This is especially true of Toby King, my housemate – he’s been unreal this season and it’s great to see my cooking is doing wonders for his ability on the field!

“We’ve got a good group of lads and I feel like we’re building towards something special.”