Matty Ashton | Player Perspective

All roads lead to Warrington for Wolves star Matty Ashton – just this week, he has packed up and moved out of his family home to become a full-time resident in the town where he plies his trade.

It signals a new start for Ashton both on and off the field. After overcoming his share of setbacks during an injury riddled two years, he’s now beginning to find his feet at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Admittedly, the 23-year-old didn’t envisage moving away from the comforts of home just yet, but it signals his intent and desire to make Warrington his new home for years to come.

“I didn’t think I was going to move out anytime soon, but I’ve took the plunge!?? Ashton exclaimed.

“I’m in a good place at the minute. Especially getting more game time and a run of games together. I’m just hoping to cement my spot and get as many games under my belt as I can, build my confidence up and improve each week.??

The arrival of Daryl Powell has afforded the Warrington squad a chance to reset and start fresh – none more so than Ashton. His first two-years at the Wolves were dampened through injuries and inhibited his chances to secure a regular spot in the starting 13.

But such is his talent, potential and attitude, Ashton was rewarded with a new three-year contract late in the season last year, as well as being handed the number five shirt and first shot at a starting wing spot in 2022. And it’s an opportunity that Ashton is determined to grab with both hands.

Matty Ashton recorded an impressive maximum speed of 35.1 km/h on his way to an intercept try for @WarringtonRLFC last night 💨

Only Jai Field with 36.1 km/h has a higher maximum speed so far in 2022 ??#SuperLeague @Catapultsports pic.twitter.com/m9jrZgNcJq
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 18, 2022

“It’s been really positive for me, especially having someone who is confident in my ability and given me a chance of a starting spot. So, it’s just down to me to repay the favour, keep playing well and keep cementing my spot.

“It gives you a lot of confidence knowing that that’s your spot for someone else to take. It’s a lot of pressure at the same time but its good pressure knowing that you’ve got that opportunity. It’s good having that pressure knowing someone’s always going to be after that spot."

The role of a modern-day winger is far more than just the glitz and glam of scoring tries. The technical elements assigned to the position are tenfold and the workload required far outweighs the tries that they score.

From taking tough, early carries during exit sets to the decision making in defence, it’s been a steep learning curve for Ashton – but something he’s revelling in.

“It’s been challenging. I didn’t realise how technical it was – especially in defence and picking the right options. It’s a crucial part of play.

“Wingers are getting bigger and stronger these days, so you’ve got to try and keep up. Luckily, I’ve got a bit more pace than some wingers so that can get me out of some situations.??

In fact, it was Ashton’s blistering pace that first alerted the rugby league world of his potential. After starring for his amateur club, Rochdale Mayfield, Ashton joined Swinton Lions in 2019 and burst onto the Championship scene.

He won the 2019 Championship Young Player of the Year award during his first and only season at Swinton, before being snapped up by the Wolves in 2020.

He’s followed the likes of Alex Walmsley through the unconventional route to Super League after being afforded a chance to showcase his potential – and now, the talent continues to stream in.

Salford’s Deon Cross and Hull KR’s Frankie Halton – a former teammate of Ashton at Swinton – headline the new crop of talent brought in through the lower leagues that are making a name for themselves in the topflight. And it comes as no surprise to Ashton, either.

“I think there’s plenty of talent out there around the lower leagues. There’s plenty of people that just want that opportunity. It’s just about trying to get out there and showcasing yourself and the way you play so the right people recognise you.

"I know Frankie well – he worked his socks off to get where he is now, going through the ranks in the Championship like me. As soon as you get your opportunity all it takes is that one shot just to prove that you can do it at the top level. Once you’ve done that then the worlds your oyster.??

Ashton certainly took his chance at the top level and has reaped the rewards ever since. He made his England Knights debut against Jamaica in October and is improving week after week for the Wolves.

For him, his goals reflect the aims of the whole Warrington squad – to get better each week and keep the wins rolling in.

“I’m just looking to cement my spot and help the team out as much as I can and hopefully, we can keep knocking them wins off.

“For us it’s just about improving our performance each week. We’re getting the wins at the minute, and we know we can be far better. As long as we’re seeing that improvement each week we’ll go far.

“We know ourselves we’ve got a lot more to give just by looking at our performances. We know how good we can be. We haven’t lost yet, and we don’t plan on losing.??