Mark Dunning's delight at new Under-18s recruits

Lewis Camden, Reece Ripley, Jayden Myers, Lewis Adams, Kieran Lupton and Taylor Mail will all feature for Leigh Beattie and his Academy outfit next term having put pen to paper this week.

They have all impressed in the red, amber and black in 2018 for Mark Dunning’s Scholarship side - who are preparing for their final game of the season against Castleford Tigers.

Dunning has spoken of his delight at capturing the signatures of the players who have warranted the deals with their ‘work ethic’ and eagerness to improve.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted – we have made offers to a large proportion of the squad, which is warranted with their work ethic and I am delighted the first six have put pen to paper to continue their journey is.

“It is not about results as we keep saying, what we are trying to do is develop young players who will progress and subsequently that development will see them work towards the reserves and first team.

“That is how you measure yourselves on success but the more we can get through the ranks the better.

“We look to sign good people who fit into the environment here – this club is bigger than everyone and people have to fit into the ‘Bulls way’.

“We are very lucky to have signed this bunch and working with Leigh – who I know will grab his opportunity with both hands – we will look to take our Academy forward.

“We will look to keep progressing and we can produce good, young, quality players here and long may that continue.”

New Academy recruits: Reece Ripley – loose forward – (amateur club) Birstall Victoria; Jayden Myers – wing/centre – Stanningley; Lewis Adams – wing/centre – West Bowling; Lewis Camden – half back – West Bowling; Kieran Lupton – prop – West Bowling; Taylor Mail – half back – Stanningley.

The next crop of Scholarship stars to have signed professional contracts with the club will be revealed over the coming weeks.