ZACH Eckersley will embrace whatever role Matt Peet asks of him after being named player of the match on the wing in Wigan Warriors’ 26-18 win over Warrington Wolves.
The 21-year-old scored a try, set up another, and covered 70 metres with two clean breaks and two tackle busts to help the visitors make it back-to-back wins and keep the pressure on Betfred Super League leaders Hull KR.
Having lined up at fullback in the previous week’s win over Catalans Dragons, Eckersley was shifted out to the wing for the Round 21 clash, yet is happy to grab whatever opportunity is presented to him.
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Keeping the pressure on at the top 👀
The Warriors come from behind to win 🍒#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/jLeJykGhz3
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 8, 2025
“I enjoy playing anywhere,” Eckersley told Sky Sports. “Naturally, I’m a centre, but wherever Matty wants me to play I like playing anywhere.
“Wherever I can play for the team and wherever I can get on the field, I don’t mind. I just like to try to try to put my best foot forward.
“With players like Harry [Smith] and Bevan [French] and Jack [Farrimond] and Jai [Field] on the field, telling you and giving you advice, where to play and when, it’s kind of easy once you’re on the field to play your natural game.”
Eckersley’s assist for Liam Farrell in the second half came when he broke down the right wing and then put a perfectly-weighted chip kick back in field for the Wigan captain to chase down and finish from.
A good response 😤
Liam Farrell touches down to put @WiganWarriorsRL back ahead 👊#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/a9ipYxEwCV
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 8, 2025
Farrell hailed Eckersley’s versatility and physical attributes, and hopes the Warriors academy product can earn more opportunities to impress at the top level.
“He’s a phenomenal athlete for such a young lad,” Farrell told Sky Sports.
“He’s been given a lot more opportunity this year and we’re seeing a lot more of him, and credit to him.
“He’s played on the wing, centre, fullback, and he’s an outstanding player.
“The more opportunities we can give these players the better and we’ve got great talent in the youth.”
Wigan’s attention now turns to next Friday’s home game against Hull KR, the outcome of which is likely to go a long way to deciding the destination of this year’s League Leaders’ Shield.
The Robins are still two points ahead of Peet’s side going into their Round 21 clash with Castleford Tigers on Saturday and Eckersley believes Wigan need to up their game if they are to repeat April’s triumph away to the Betfred Challenge Cup winners.
“We know we’ve not been at our best yet this season, but we’re trying to keep improving every week and focusing on ourselves,” Eckersley said.
“Hopefully we can keep improving week on week.”