Cramlington delight as two Rockets launch England careers
Cramlington Rockets have received a big boost, with two of their young players being selected for the England Lionhearts’ tour of Italy.
Matty Gordon and Jack Tait are both products of the club’s youth development system, and their selection for their country marks an important step in the development of rugby league in the North East of England.
The tour takes place from June 14 to 21, with the Lionhearts playing matches against Italy’s U18s.
Both players will begin their preparation by travelling to Wigan St Patrick this month for training.
Gordon is a 17-year-old halfback with a knack for crossing the try line, and he is looking forward to developing his talents further.
“I am honoured to have been selected to represent my country, and I am looking forward to playing alongside a talented squad of players,” said Gordon.
“To have my clubmate, Jack, in the side too makes it extra special and I am really grateful to my coaches, Jordan Robinson, Steve Beaty and Danny Gilroy for helping me get this far.”
Tait is a back row forward who is the current holder of the Rockets’ 2014 Players’ Player of the Year award. He attends Whitley Bay High School.
“I am ecstatic for both the lads, they more than deserve the opportunity” said their coach, Jordan Robinson.
“As well as being very talented players, they have excellent attitudes and will thrive from being in such a high profile environment.
“Having two lads in the squad is also a good endorsement of the work going on in the North East, which is certainly attracting more attention from those in the heartlands.
“At the Rockets, we work hard to give our players the best opportunities possible but it is also down to them to put in the hard work.
“That is both these lads to a tee and everyone at the club wishes them all the best for the tour and beyond.”
With the tour costing £500 per player, the club will be holding some fundraising events towards the cost of the trip for the players and would welcome any assistance from its members. You can make a donation to their trip on the club’s GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/RocketsLionhearts or by contacting cramlingtonrockets@gmail.com