Duo get England call
EX ROCKETS DONAGHY AND NOKES FACE WALES
TWO of Cramlington Rockets’ former juniors are set to play for England Academy against Wales.
The Northumberland-based former RFL Club of the Year has made a habit in recent years of seeing its players make national age group squads, a theme which will continue this weekend.
Having been a part of the successful Newcastle Thunder Academy set-up for two years, stand-off Alex Donaghy and centre Isaac Nokes will head to Llanelli on Saturday.
Selection marks further progress for Donaghy, who played for England Youth in 2017.
He said: “It is a great opportunity to play for England again.
“A lot of hard work has gone into this year and it is a great feeling being rewarded like this.
“I am looking forward to getting out there, enjoying the experience and showing everyone what I can do.”
Nokes was pleasantly surprised to receive his England call.
He said: “It is a massive honour to have this opportunity.
“I was not expecting it at all, it was more of a goal for next year.
“A massive thanks to Alan Stevenson, Jordan Robinson and Michael Heap and all the other coaches who have helped me get to this point in my career, which hopefully is just the beginning.”
The England squad is full of under-18 players from Super League teams and Rockets’ chairman Jeff Ball was excited to see North East representation in it.
He said: “The game up here is going from strength to strength and this is another big endorsement.
“Alex and Isaac have worked tremendously hard and their selection is well deserved.”
Prior to the game at West Wales Raiders’ Stebonheath Park, the squad will train with their England Knights’ colleagues in Leeds.