Lakers Sign Hull Youngsters

Correspondent

Doncaster Lakers have today snapped up three of Hull FC's most promising young stars who featured heavily in the side that took part in Senior Academy Grand Final's over the last two seasons. Loz Wildbore, Alex Benson and Joe McLocklan have all signed full time deals with the club and are hungry for success.

Wildbore, 23, who is most familiar to the full back role said: "Remaining full time means a lot to me. It will give me a big chance to develop as a player physically and the benefits psychologically are massive. Being full time will allow the core players at the club to gel together and develop into a real family unit.

Prop forward Benson, 21, joins the club looking to play regular first team rugby. He said: "The Lakers are an ambitious club who are signing some really good, promising young players. The stadium is beautiful and is a sign of where the club are going off the field and on."

Alex's long term ambitions are based around playing in the top flight and aims to be part of the club at that level, he said: "It would be great to be a part of the club in Super League. In the short term we will be focusing on winning as many games as we can in this league and succeeding in the play-offs."

Hooker/Utility player Joe McLocklan, like Benson, was impressed with the coaching set up at the club: "I know Phil very well, he is a good technical coach and the reports I have had about Keiran Dempsey (Head Coach) have been great."

Modest Joe did not wish to sound arrogant when asked about his strengths, he said: "My initial aim is to get a starting berth in the side. I like to organise the side from dummy half and I would consider this my main strength in the game."

Assistant Coach Phil Windley said "These three lads have had a very successful couple of years at Hull. They have been working in a good environment and we will be looking to develop them even further in our own environment."

"Loz is a full back although he has great versatility and can play all the back line positions up to loose forward. Alex is a front rower who carries the ball strongly with good pace for a big guy and Joe is a smart player who can play both Hooker and Loose Forward. All three have tremendous attitudes and are very hungry for success. We feel, with them being full time, they will prove a huge success."