Keighley flier excited by Commonwealth chance
Keighley winger Davey Dixon hopes the Commonwealth Games in Australia can provide him with a springboard back to Super League.
Dixon, 20, has spent time at both Castleford and Warrington in the academy set-ups before cutting his teeth at first team level with the Cougars in League One.
After scoring seven tries in 19 appearances last season, he was named in the initial train-on squad for Scotland at the World Cup – and he has now gained further international recognition by being chosen for the Commonwealth Championships in Queensland in February.
Dixon said: “I’ve always been in the extended squad but it’s tough to get in due to the Super League and Championship players.
“Keith Hogg said there might be an opportunity to play in the Nines, and I took it with both hands.
“Keighley have been great, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.”
From Leeds, Dixon qualifies for Scotland through his mother and has represented them at all age group levels, though is yet to make an appearance for the full national team.
He will only miss one Keighley league game, the opener against Workington, as well as a Challenge Cup third round tie.
Dixon added: “It’s the first I’d heard about the Nines tournament. You don’t know who will be watching.
“The format suits me down to a tee. The speed, quick play the balls, scooting from dummy half.
“My main goal is to get back to Super League and I’ve got a long road ahead.”
Dixon, who counts Queens, Milford and Stanley Rangers as his former community clubs, combines playing with his work as a plumber.
He has launched a crowdfunding page to help him to raise £750 for the trip. To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/daveydixon
Another League One player is in the Scotland squad for the Commonwealth Championships, Newcastle Thunder’s Niall Sidney.
They will be coached by Keighley assistant Nathan Graham.
Squad: Davey Dixon (Keighley Cougars), Curtis Faughlin (Dapto Canaries), Justin Faughlin (Dapto Canaries), George Geddes (Brunel University), Niall Hall (Strathmore Silverbacks), Doug Heseltine (Brighouse Rangers), Matt Hogg (Edinburgh Eagles), Josh Honan (Dapto Canaries), Marshall Hudson (Townsville Blackhawks), Sean McKervail (Edinburgh Eagles), Murray Mitchell (Strathmore Silverbacks), Ali Olivier (Strathmore Silverbacks), Niall Sidney (Newcastle Thunder), Calum Weir (Carluke Tigers), Luke Westman (Berkeley RLFC)