Wigan Warriors young gun Harry Rushton has emerged as one of the game’s most promising young talents having represented his country at youth level and winning the under 19’s Academy Grand Final with Wigan in 2019.

He may be a Rugby League star of the future today, but started out playing Rugby Union which really helped him develop as a ball handling player.

“I was first introduced to rugby when I was 6 years old, my Dad took me down to Fleetwood Rugby Union where I played for a couple of years,” Rushton explained to Everything Rugby League.

“Due to me being so young it wasn’t too difficult transferring the little skills I had. I ended up playing for Fleetwood again in the off season when I was 14/15 and subsequently Lancashire where we won the war of the roses against Yorkshire. I’ve just always enjoyed having a ball in my hands and practising my skill.”

Since making the move to Rugby League, Rushton has had a lot of responsibility thrust upon him already.

This included captaining the England U16’s team against France.

Rushton believes that he has been able to take on this added pressure and display great leadership because of his Father’s impact on him growing up.

“My Dad’s always had a big influence on my character and how I handle myself. He’s always pushed me to strive for better than I perhaps would have if I’d only had my self motivation.

“Constantly being pushed out of my comfort zone has taught me how to deal with pressure and responsibility a lot better, even though I’ve still loads to learn.”

The 18-year-old has recently signed with NRL club the Canberra Raiders as the green machine look to invest some more youth into the forwards.

He will head to the nation’s capital in 2021, where he will slot straight into the top 30 and begin his Raiders tenure in the Jersey Flegg competition.

The Raiders can confirm the signing of talented forward prospect Harry Rushton, who will join the club on a three-year deal commencing 2021.https://t.co/mXZsh4R06O

— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) July 13, 2020

Raiders recruitment manager Peter Mulholland can be credited with getting the move for the front rower sorted, along with Rushton’s belief that this could be a once in a life time opportunity.

“Ever since Canberra got in touch with my agent and I, I’ve had constant contact with Pete Mulholland who’s been great in teaching me the values of the club as well as the way they operate in terms of rugby and where they see me. Alongside this, I know Canberra have some great experienced players who I’ll be able to learn from and compete with during training.

“I always enjoy new challenges and this will probably be the biggest of my life so I couldn’t turn it down.”

Rushton already has his first goal in mind for when he joins the green machine.

“I’ll most likely start playing a few under 20s games when I get over there so my first goal is to impress in those to move up to perhaps the reserves and hopefully the first team.”