Huddersfield Giants have taken on board 10 of their Under 16 Scholars to play with the Under 19 squad next season.
The youngsters have signed first professional contracts with the club and start at the club full-time on September 1.
The ten players are Alex Young, Jack Richardson, Jamie Greenwood, Fletcher Davies, Tyllar Mellor, Will Ingleby, Ben Harley, Ethan Salm, Ronan Costello and Jon Luke Kirby.
The players joined Paul Anderson and the team in the changing room prior to the game against Wakefield Trinity on Sunday and Head of Youth Andy Kelly was delighted to see the players enjoy their special day.
“I think it was a proud day for all the parents and the players themselves, because it’s their first professional contract,” said Kelly.
“I think fair credit must go to the club for setting up what was a memorable first day and the club, players and parents celebrated in style.
“At the back of those proud moments we’ve got to think about the scholarships coaches who have worked with these players.
“I thought it was just reward for them as well and I’m sure they felt proud watching the players march onto the field and will look forward to seeing them as Super League players in the future.
“I know from marshalling the players and speaking with them that they were very nervous about the experience but they loved every minute of it.
“They were in the stand, they went into the dressing room before the game with Paul Anderson and the team and they were up in the board room and met Ken Davy and Richard Thewlis.
“It was a very proud and exciting day for them and they really enjoyed it.”
Kelly is confident that the group of players have the drive and character to make the successful transition from Under 16s to the Under 19s.
“This group of players have been training with the Under 19s so their preparations have already started for when they join the club on September 1,” added Kelly.
“They’re already working with Kane Daniels (Lead Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach) and that will help them in terms of their strength so they’re actually ready to do a pre-season.
“I’ve no doubt the characters and personalities that we’ve got among these players will achieve a lot out of the next few years.”
The PLAYERS
Ronan Costello: Back row (Brighouse Rangers)
Fletcher Davies: Hooker (Hunslet Warriors)
Jamie Greenwood: Hooker (Siddal)
Ben Harley: Front row (Spartans)
Will Ingleby: Scrum-half (Hunslet Warriors)
Jon-Luke Kirby: Front row (Eastmoor Dragons)
Tyllar Mellor: Half-back or Full-back (Dewsbury Celtic)
Jack Richardson: Centre (Dewsbury Celtic)
Ethan Salm: Half-back (Brighouse Rangers)
Alex Young: Outside back (Oulton Raiders)
