Rooney selected for Yorkshire

Tigers Academy star Fletcher Rooney has had a late call-up to the Yorkshire squad ahead of their Origin series decider at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday!

The full-back has had a standout year in his first season at academy level since graduating from the Fords' scholarship system, scoring a number of tries for the club's under-18s. Rooney has also gained valuable experience in Cas' Reserves, playing alongside several First Team players.

Saturday's contest in Warrington gets underway at 12pm, with a draw at Warrington will be enough for Lancashire to clinch the series for the second year in succession, while Yorkshire must win for a 1-1 share of the spoils. St Helens second-row Jon Vaughan and Warrington Wolves wing Jake Thewlis each scored two tries when Lancashire won 42-20 in the opening game of the series at Castleford, while a 78th-minute try on home turf from Hull KR centre Louix Gorman kept Yorkshire interest alive as the White Rose county fought back to draw the second match 32-32.

Gorman is again included for Yorkshire, alongside a number of new faces including his Robins’ teammate Zach Fishwick and Bradford Bulls’ Jamie Gill. Several players are chosen for Lancashire for the very first time – among them St Helens backrower Jerry Carty and Warrington prop Logan Raughter.

Paul Anderson, Head of England Pathways, says:
“This is where we identify and develop the players who have the potential to become elite performers on the domestic and international stage, and through Academy Origin and the international against France we’ve learned a lot this year about a lot of players.

“With this game in particular we have a major focus on blooding players from the younger end of the Academy age group, plus some players who have improved during the season. I’m really excited to be able to introduce even more fresh faces for game three, so we’re about to find out who else can make the step up to the next level.”

Lancashire are coached by Shane Eccles of Wigan Warriors, who is assisted by Warrington Wolves Ryan O’Brien. The Tigers will also be represented by Rob Nickolay, who will lead Yorkshire as head coach alongside Huddersfield Giants’ Leroy Cudjoe.