Magic Preview: Matt Gloss

Electric Warrington winger setting Betfred Super League alight 

Even by Matty Ashton's standards, it's been a whirlwind start to the season.

The Warrington winger earned praise for his rapid rise from the amateur ranks to Super League via Swinton Lions, a path different to most of his top flight peers.

This year his career has gone onto the next level as the Wolves have laid down a marker for the Betfred Super League campaign.

Ashton has regularly been among the tries as Daryl Powell's side have reversed their 2022 season, earning his first England call-up for the game against France and a new long-term contract at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

"It's been like a rollercoaster since the start of the season, I feel like it's flashed before my eyes," Ashton says.

"England was really exciting and I had so many messages from people about it.

"I was buzzing with the new contract too, the club has looked after me so much already and now I want to repay that faith in me. I just want to keep improving."

Ashton believes the key the Wolves' significant improvement this year has been down to the team dynamic.

"We're playing a lot better than we were last year, and we're enjoying each other's company and gelling as a group off the pitch," Ashton explains.

"It was a tough year last year for us all, especially Daryl who was under a lot of pressure. 

"But he's brought the squad together and we're a lot tighter knit group now.

"The changes in personnel have helped too - all the new signings have brought something different and we've seen a massive impact in the results.

"We're all playing the game with a smile on our faces which is what you want."

Ashton was a member of the Warrington side that produced a rare 2023 high with their comprehensive 36-10 Magic Weekend win over Catalans Dragons, and is relishing a return to St James' Park, not least because of a special fan on the other side of the Atlantic.

"My older brother John is a big Newcastle fan so he's pretty jealous," Ashton adds.

"He used to be a Super League touch-judge back in the day but he lives in America now. 

"He's still involved in the sport and referees in the Los Angeles league over there.

"He watches all the games on TV and I?m sure he'll be watching Magic.

"We're expecting a really tough challenge from Hull because they're a team that can pull off any result on their day.

"They've got class across the pitch and are a real big, strong outfit that has found some confidence recently. 

"They'll come to Magic on a high because everyone wants to play well on a big stage, and hopefully we can produce a good performance."

PLAYER IN FORM - GEORGE WILLIAMS 

Leading the Steve Prescott Man of Steel table, being named new England captain and overseeing Warrington's upturn in fortunes - it's been quite a start to 2023 for Wolves star Williams.

The former Wigan and Canberra playmaker has been central to everything good about Daryl Powell's side to date.

A danger with the ball in hand both in terms of creating for others and threatening defensive lines himself, Williams is arguably the form player in the whole competition at present.

ONE TO WATCH - PAUL VAUGHAN 

One of a host of close season recruits in the pack, Vaughan has stood out for the Wolves from the moment the opening game against Leeds kicked off.

The 32-year-old former Canberra, St George Illawarra and Canterbury front rower has flourished under Powell, regularly producing head turning stats up front.

Such was his impact that the club handed him a new long-term contract just weeks into his Wolves career, and he has become a firm favourite with Warrington fans.

This article is taken from the Magic Weekend programme, copies of which can be ordered online via Curtis Sports. 

Tickets for Magic Weekend at St James' Park are available to purchase online via superleague.co.uk until Friday 2 June and on match day from the Stadium ticket office.