York sign promising Castleford forward

York Ladies have announced the signing of forward Hollie Dodd from Castleford for the 2022 season.

The 18-year-old made her debut for the Tigers aged just 16 in the 2019 Challenge Cup Final. The Tigers lost that match 16-10 against Leeds.

She carried on performing for the team that year. Dodd was also part of the side that lifted the League Leaders Shield and played in the Women’s Super League Grand Final.

From there, she has continued to develop well for the Tigers. In 2021, she was named the club’s Woman of Steel. Dodd also made her England debut in the 60-0 win over Wales at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

More to come from Dodd at York

Reacting to her move, Dodd said:“I’m really excited to join the girls and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in 2022.

“It was massive. Playing on Sky Sports and the BBC was a massive achievement. I’m so grateful to have had the chance to do that and, hopefully, there is more to come.

“I’m looking to bring more than I did last season and, hopefully, it will be my best season yet.”

Director of Rugby Lindsay Anfield added:“Hollie is going to be a massive asset to our squad and is one of the biggest talents in the Women’s Super League.

“Hollie has played from a really young age and I’ve known her since she was in year seven. I’ve always had a great relationship with her and she will add a significant amount of strength to our pack.

“Hollie has got great footwork, great handling and she is defensively really strong. Our aim as a club is to transform her from being one of the best young talents to an established, top-level Women’s Super League player who is going to be a top international for the next few years.”

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