Can Ben make it a family affair? (From This Is Cheshire)

Warrington Wolves' young forward Ben Evans aims to join his brother in the first team

8:00am Saturday 4th February 2012 in Sport By Christopher Terris Taylor

WOLVES flyer Rhys Evans has backed his twin brother Ben to have a breakthrough year in 2012.

Prop forward or second rower Ben has been a staple in Wolves’ successful Valvoline Cup under 20s side for the last two years.

A serious cruciate knee injury prevented the 19-year-old from competing for a large chunk of the 2011 season, but now he is fully fit Rhys believes his brother will take a huge step towards a debut first-team place in the Wolves side.

“Injury will only make him mentally stronger and I am sure he will kick on from this now,” said Rhys.

“Whether he continues to play under 20s or goes out on dual regist-ration to start with, I know he will do well because he is a good player and is ready to kick on after another solid year in first-team training.”

The Evans’ have been used to progressing through the amateur and young professional stages of their rugby league lives side-by-side.

But Ben has had to sit and watch Rhys gain first opportunity in the top flight, with forwards needing longer to develop the strength they need to tough it out with the big blokes down the middle.

Rhys said: “His patience is holding out at the moment.

“As twins, we’ve always played at the same level and the competition between the two of us has always been strong.

“But he knows that his position means that he would have to wait a year or two longer than I would, and then the knee injury he suffered set him back.

“He will be ready to step up when his time comes."