HUDDERSFIELD Giants are celebrating having five players in the England youth set-up for the first time.
Josh Johnson and Elliot Gorman have been named in the England Academy set-up, while Elliott Morris, Fraser Morris and Will Carlos are in the 2012 England Youth Training squad.
Top prop Johnson’s inclusion in the national Under 18s set-up crowns an outstanding 2011 for the former Waterhead junior, who signed a three-year Super League contract with the Giants two months ago.
The 17-year-old’s professional promotion has been earned as a result of being a top performer on the club’s Under 16s tour to Australia last year and then continuing to impress in the Under 18s and Under 20s sides.
The call-up is also fantastic news for 17-year-old former Shaw Cross full-back Gorman, (pictured inset) who has been working alongside Johnson in pre-season training with Huddersfield’s squad on a part-time basis.
Brothers and outside backs Elliott (16) and Fraser (15) Morris have got the nod for England after coming through the ranks at Meltham All Blacks, while Stanley Rangers back-row Carlos (16) has also made a positive impression during his time at the Giants and now gained national recognition.
And Giants Head of Youth Development Pete Riding couldn’t be more delighted with the call-ups.
“For the Giants to have five players in the squads is a fantastic achievement, it’s something that’s never happened before,” said a proud Riding.
“But, at the same time, I’m also a little disappointed, because there are a number of other players in our Academy set-up who were easily good enough to have made this squad.
“Having said that, getting five players recognised is a clear sign of the way the Giants are progressing as a club at all levels.
“Over the last few years, we’ve put a lot of emphasis on the development of young players, and this sort of recognition is a reward for that.
“I also hope the lads’ junior sides get the recognition they deserve.
“The least they should get is a massive pat on the back from us for the grounding they have given these youngsters.
“It’s been the clubs’ hard work with the players at an early age which has made it possible for them to make their mark at national level.
“I’m sure they were as proud as us when the news of their England selections came through.
“But for us at the Giants, this is far from being the end of the road.