Winger leaves Hawks for Bramley
Joiner John Richardson will be looking to once again nail down a starting position in the Bramley Buffaloes side this year after spending a year in the professional game with Hunslet.
The 27-year-old fleet footed winger, who hails from Horsforth, is relishing the challenge of helping the Buffaloes to back-to-back title wins after a successful spell at the South Leeds Stadium.
“I signed a two year deal and played 16 games for the first team,” explained Richardson, “but with the arrival of a new coach it seemed I was surplus to requirements. There are no hard feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and made a lot of good friends.
“I also learnt a lot on the training side and it was a wholly positive experience at Hunslet. Hopefully I can bring a bit of that into the Bramley side this season.
“The two clubs have a similar level of support and I’d certainly say that Bramley would justify a place in the same competition as Hunslet based on our fanbase,” added Jon who took up rugby at the age of 6 with Milford.
He went on to play right up to open age and has worked closely with current Bramley coach Mark Butterill for more years than he cares to remember: “Mark has been a great mentor and a stable influence on my rugby league career and I’m delighted to be working with him once again.
“I’ve noticed differences in training and we seem to be a lot more focused and organised and that’s taking nothing away from Paul Cook who was an outstanding coach and has gone on to greater things. I’m sure Mark will follow suit in time but at the moment it’s just great to be back.
“I have many fond memories of my three years up until 2009 with Bramley and looking forward to what will be an exciting season especially given the arrival of Kippax Knights in the league.
“I played with Chris Redfearn at Hunslet last year and it looks like he’ll be at the Knights. I know they’ll present stiff opposition when we face them in May and July,” added John who works for joinery firm Welborns of Rodley.
Richardson looks likely to start as the Buffaloes kick off the defence of their Co-operative National title with an away game at Hemel Stags on Sunday 18th April.