Two Roosters Join Professional Clubs

It has taken along time coming but finally two Roosters players have signed for professional clubs. Before the start of the season John Paxton signed for National League 2 side Hunslet Hawks. After a four week trial at Super League side Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Michael Sykes has signed a contract until the end of the season.

John made his first team debut for Hunslet in an away fixture at Gateshead. Hunslet are located in the South Leeds area and play their home games at the John Charles Stadium. They are a club with a rich tradition but have struggled over the last few years.

Michael has been playing in the reserve side at Wakefield and has played against Huddersfield, Harlequins and Leeds. He opened his trying scoring account against the Rhinos at Headingley

It has been a very exciting year for both players who are both students at Leeds Met University. They are both Rugby League first team players at Leeds Met and played for the side in the Challenge Cup Second Round fixture against Doncaster Dragons. This game was played at Headingley home of Leeds Rhinos. They also played in the First Round game against Thornhill which Leeds won 26 -20.

Representative honours also followed with both players playing for England Students this season. Most recently they have played against British Police and BARLA under 23’s. John Paxton scored a try against the BARLA side.

John has also been selected to play for the England Students squad for the Student World Cup 2008 in Australia.

In addition, before signing for the professional clubs, they were also playing for Milford Marlins in the BARLA National Two Competition.

The Roosters have received a £75.00 compensation fee from the Rugby League for John Paxton joining Hunslet. Yes that’s right £75.00.

Roosters duo star in East of England win

St Ives Roosters players Jimmy Allen and Michael Drake played a staring role for the East of England win against the West of England. The 38 - 32 victory was the first time the "Easts" have won the South of England Lionhearts trial game. The Easts side was coached by Roosters Head Coach, Ian Hill, who was very pleased with his sides late come back to win the game. Allen had a pivotal role playing at stand off and successfully converted 6 goals. Drake, a substitute, came on after 20 minutes and played the rest of the game at hooker. Both players will find out shortly if they have been selected for the South of England squad.

Match report here...