Harry Walkington

POSITION: WING

1ST YEARS

AGE: 18

HOMETOWN: HULL

YOUTH CLUB: HULL DOCKERS

TEAM SUPPORTS: HULL KR

FAVOURITE PLAYER: SHAUN BRISCOE

FAVOURITE FILM: 127 HOURS

FAVOURITE FOOD: SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE

PASSIONATE ABOUT RL BECAUSE: STARTED WATCHING HULL KR AND ASPIRED TO PLAY ON THAT PITCH.

PLAYER LIKELINESS: TOM BRISCOE

Walkington is another fresh face on the team this year and has made a real claim for a first team spot. Drafted in to replace a senior member of the squad for a game earlier on in the season, he has since staked his place in the squad. Starting out at Hull Dockers, Walkington is a very comfortable winger, and if form continues is unlikely to be ousted from the starting 13.

As a KR fan i'm sure he will hate being compared to former FC winger Tom Briscoe, but that is the best comparison I could come up with. Similar builds and playing styles, particularly in defence, with both often hitting the right line in defence, and making try saving tackles when required. Also very capable going forward, and creating the metres, as well as scoring tries.

Jamie Supyk (Soups)

POSITION: LOOSE FORWARD/CENTRE

1ST YEAR

AGE: 19

HOMETOWN: ROCHDALE

YOUTH CLUB:

TEAM SUPPORTS: ROCHDALE HORNETS

FAVOURITE PLAYER: JED AMOS-GODDARD

FAVOURITE FILM: REMEMBER THE TITANS

FAVOURITE FOOD: ANYTHING WITH MAYO

PASSIONATE ABOUT RL BECAUSE: PLAYED RUGBY UNION SINCE THE AGE OF 7, BUT STARTED WATCHING LEAGUE A FEW YEARS AGO AND DECIDED TO SWITCH

PLAYER LIKELINESS: SIMON MANNERING

pictured in his Union days

Supyk possess all the qualities to be an excellent rugby league player. Making great strides following his switch from playing the 15 man code this season for the Blue Ghosts, he is coming on leaps and bounds and starting to have a good impact on the team. Making the switch from Union to League is not an easy one, but Supyk seems to have come a long way in such a short space of time. A hard worker in training and off the field in the gym, sure to be one to watch over the coming weeks and months.

It is tough to pin point a player at this early stage but one that came to mind was Kiwi Simon Mannering. Both players have a similar athletic build for a forward, but defend and attack in equal measure. Supyk possesses a very strong side stepping ability, and is always willing to get involved in games, the defensive side particularly akin to Mannering.

Kieran Riding

POSITION: CENTRE

1ST YEAR

AGE: 18

HOMETOWN: HALIFAX

YOUTH CLUB: SIDDAL/QUEENSBURY/OVENDEN

TEAM SUPPORTS: HALIFAX RLFC

FAVOURITE PLAYER: GREG INGLIS

FAVOURITE FILM: STEP BROTHERS

FAVOURITE FOOD: PIZZA

PASSIONATE ABOUT RL BECAUSE: FAMILY HAS ALWAYS PLAYED RUGBY LEAGUE, GRANDDAD, DAD, UNCLE, AND BROTHER HAVE ALL PLAYED.

PLAYER LIKELINESS: JACK REED

Riding has recently made an emergence into the team, and has had a big impact on the Blue Ghosts. Putting pressure on the more senior members of the squad, he has recently been selected regularly and often being one of the top tacklers on the team. He's represented a number of sides local to him, and comes from a family rich in rugby league history. He is definitely one of the players to watch for the rest of this season, leading up to Varsity later on in the season.

Jack Reed was instantly the player I compared Riding to when I first saw him play. From playing style down to defensive positioning and tactics, it is very much in the mould of Reed. Both players run good lines, and hit the line without fear, and also put a good shift in in defence.

Sean 'Smiley' Murphy

POSITION: SECOND ROW/CENTRE/LOOSE FORWARD

2ND YEAR - 1ST ON TEAM

AGE: 19

HOMETOWN: WARRINGTON

YOUTH CLUB: BURTONWOOD BULLDOGS

TEAM SUPPORTS: WARRINGTON WOLVES

FAVOURITE PLAYER: SEAN O'LOUGHLIN

FAVOURITE FILM: SAVING PRIVATE RYAN

FAVOURITE FOOD: POTATO SMILEY FACES

PASSIONATE ABOUT RL BECAUSE: LOCAL SIDE NEEDED AN EXTRA PLAYER, BEEN PLAYING EVER SINCE

PLAYER LIKELINESS: BEN WESTWOOD

Murphy is everything you want out of your modern day second rower. The ability to back up your prop forwards and make good, uncompromising metres forward, and to defend hard, and that is everything that Murphy has to offer. Hailing from rugby town Warrington he started out his career at Burtonwood Bulldogs, he is able to cover loose forward, as well as centre.

The comparisons from Westwood are mostly down to both players loving to get involved in the defensive side of the game, and ruffing the opponents up. Both hit hard in defence, and put in a good shift in attack as well, making the metres to get the team down field.

Jordan 'Vern' Vernon

POSITION: PROP/LOOSE FORWARD

3RD YEAR

AGE: 23

HOMETOWN: HUDDERSFIELD/CLECKHEATON

YOUTH CLUB: DEWSBURY MOOR

TEAM SUPPORTS: HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS

FAVOURITE PLAYER: MAL MENINGA/PAUL GALLEN

FAVOURITE FILM: MILLION DOLLAR BABY

FAVOURITE FOOD: FAIJITAS

PASSIONATE ABOUT RL BECAUSE: COMES FROM A BIG RUGBY FAMILY, WAS TOLD HE WAS TOO BIG FOR FOOTBALL AGE 14, SEEMED SENSIBLE, SO HERE HE IS!

PLAYER LIKELINESS: DAVID SHILLINGTON/WILLIE MASON

Vernon is a very important part of the Blue Ghosts set up, and although isn't always available for games, his presence is felt in the games he plays, and you can tell the difference he has on the team. Starting out at Dewsbury Moor amateur side, he is in his 3rd year with the team and predominantly starts at prop forward.

The link with Shillington comes through his playing style, both forwards are the kind of players you would look at if the team was struggling to get forward. Neither are scared to put their bodies on the line for the team, and this is a big asset for a prop forward. The links to Mason are down to the fact that both like to have a word with the opposition and wind the opponents up. Something which definitely helps your team mates.

Thomas Bowden (Charndog)

POSITION: STAND OFF

2ND YEAR AND CAPTAIN

AGE: 19

HOMETOWN: HULL

YOUTH CLUB: CHORLEY PANTHERS

TEAM SUPPORTS: HULL FC

FAVOURITE PLAYER: ISAAC LUKE

FAVOURITE FILM: STAR WARS

FAVOURITE FOOD: LAMB CHOPS

PASSIONATE ABOUT RL BECAUSE: WATCHED BROTHER PLAY RL, AND KNEW HE WANTED TO BE A PART OF IT.

PLAYER LIKELINESS: SEAN O'LOUGHLIN

Bowden is a captain by name and a captain by nature. Setting the standard this season with an incredible defensive record for a half back, and also possesses a dangerous kicking game when in attack, and a good ability to break the line or produce the killer pass. Starting out his career in Coppull for the Chorley Panthers, playing centre and winger, he joined the Blue Ghosts in 2014 and switched to his now more familiar role at half back.

There are far worse players to get compared to than Wigan captain Sean O'Loughlin, and there are some very big similarities between the two players. Both players possess stellar attacking and defensive capabilities, and lead their teams from the front.

David Eatock (Tokki/Wokki)

POSITION: FULL BACK/HALF BACK

FIRST YEAR ON THE TEAM

AGE: 19

HOMETOWN: WIGAN

YOUTH CLUB: WIGAN ST JUDES

TEAM SUPPORTS: WIGAN WARRIORS

FAVOURITE PLAYER: SHAUN JOHNSON

FAVOURITE FILM: FIGHT CLUB

FAVOURITE FOOD: MEAT AND POTATO PIE

PASSIONATE ABOUT RL BECAUSE: MUM OFFERED HIM £20 TO STOP PLAYING FOOTBALL AND JOIN ST JUDES, NOT LOOKED BACK SINCE

PLAYER LIKELINESS: BILLY SLATER

Eatock is in his first season with the Blue Ghosts, but has already made a big impact on the team with tries, and his vocal style of play. Eatock started out his career at well known Wigan amateur side St Jude's, he has covered both full back and half back this season, and hasn't missed a game yet. He is one of the sides top try scorers and is looking set to have a good few years with the Blue Ghosts.

Eatock has similarities to Slater, which is a compliment to say the least. Both players are very vocal full backs in both attack and defence. They also both have the ability to break the line when returning the ball from the kick, and also in open play. Other similarities can be drawn from full backs like Zak Hardaker.

Joe Woods (Hairy Joe)

POSITION: PROP
THIRD YEAR ON THE TEAM
AGE: 21
HOMETOWN: WIDNES
YOUTH CLUB: WIDNES MOORFIELD/WIDNES ST MARIE'S
TEAM SUPPORTS: WIDNES VIKINGS
FAVOURITE PLAYER: TERRY O'CONNOR
FAVOURITE FILM: SAVING PRIVATE RYAN
FAVOURITE FOOD: CALZONE
PLAYER LIKELINESS: KYLIE LEULUAI

Varsity 2015

Woods has been a regular face on the team for the past 3 years, and is one of the first names on the team sheet. Starting his career at Widnes Moorfield junior side before playing at open age level for Widnes St Marie's. 

Although the above photo my look like Leeds Rhinos forward Adam Cuthbertson, his playing style is more like a former Rhino, Kylie Leuluai. Leuluai a no nonsense, metre making forward used almost like a battering ram to drive the side towards the oppositions line, and set the platform for the backs. Woods is a prime example of that kind of player, and is a very important part of the Blue Ghosts team. 

Jed Amos-Goddard

POSITION: CENTRE/FULL BACK

3RD YEAR AND VICE CAPTAIN

AGE: 22

HOMETOWN: WAKEFIELD

YOUTH CLUB: EASTMOOR DRAGONS

TEAM SUPPORTS: WAKEFIELD WILDCATS

FAVOURITE PLAYER: JONATHAN THURSTON

FAVOURITE FILM: JURASSIC PARK

FAVOURITE FOOD: POT NOODLES/CHOCOLATE

PASSIONATE ABOUT RL BECAUSE: BROUGHT UP WATCHING AND PLAYING, FELL IN LOVE FROM AN EARLY AGE.

PLAYER LIKELINESS: KALLUM WATKINS/DARIUS BOYD

Goddard has been a vital cog in the Blue Ghosts wheel since 2013. Starting out on Woodhouse Road for Eastmoor Dragons. A very vocal member of the squad, and never one to give in on a game regardless of the scoreline, with the ability to score a try from anywhere on the field. Goddard has recently represented Yorkshire and has been called up to represent the North in the Uni origin match.

Goddard can be compared to two players, playing style wise, Kallum Watkins. Both players hit the line at pace and are dangerous from anywhere on the field, whilst also being strong in the defensive side of the game. The latter being Darius Boyd, down to the vocal nature of both players, Goddard can be heard from anywhere on the field, and the same can be said about Australian Boyd.

Eden Harris

POSITION: PROP/SECOND ROW
2ND YEAR AND SOCIAL SEC
AGE: 19
HOMETOWN: LEEDS
YOUTH CLUB:
TEAM SUPPORTS: LEEDS RHINOS
FAVOURITE PLAYER: DARREN LOCKYER
FAVOURITE FILM: DJANGO UNCHAINED
FAVOURITE FOOD:
PLAYER LIKELINESS: MOSE MASOE
PASSIONATE ABOUT RL BECAUSE: DAD PLAYED FOR 25 YEARS SO LOVED IT FROM A YOUNG AGE.

Harris is stepping into his 2nd year with the Blue Ghosts after an impressive first season on the team. Known for his no nonsense style of play, he can be described as very much your old school style of prop. Given the ball, to make the metres forward for the team. The above photo taken from last years Varsity win over Bradford.

He can be compared to former St Helens forward Mose Masoe, without the erratic offload game. Both are no nonsense forwards. You know if either player get the ball, the team is highly likely to go forward and make the metres.

Jamie Robinson

POSITION: SECOND ROW/LOOSE FORWARD
3RD YEAR AND VICE PRESIDENT
AGE: 23
HOMETOWN: WAKEFIELD
YOUTH CLUB: OULTON RANGERS/ROCKHAMPTON HIGH (AUSTRALIA)
TEAM SUPPORTS: WAKEFIELD WILDCATS
FAVOURITE PLAYER: ANDREW JOHNS (PAST), BOYD CORDNER (PRESENT)
FAVOURITE FILM: INCEPTION
FAVOURITE FOOD: SALMON FILLET
PASSIONATE ABOUT RL BECAUSE: BROUGHT UP WATCHING AND PLAYING, FELL IN LOVE FROM AN EARLY AGE.
PLAYER LIKELINESS: GEORGE ROSE/COREY PARKER

Robinson has been a major part of the Blue Ghosts side for the past 3 years, and is a leader both on and off the field. Able to cover either Second Row or Loose Forward comfortably, usually seen wearing the no 12 shirt for the side. Starting out at Wakefield Road side Oulton Raiders, he also had a stint out in Australia playing for Rockhampton High in Queensland.

Robinson can be compared to two players from across the pond, one being Australia star Corey Parker. I'm unable to comment on kicking ability, but playing wise both lead from the front in attack, and hit the line well. The other being George Rose, both big in attack and big in defence, Rose is hard to get past and the same can be said about Robinson.

Jay Ryder

POSITION: CENTRE
FINAL YEAR & PRESIDENT
AGE: 21
HOMETOWN: WARRINGTON
YOUTH CLUB: WOOLSTON ROVERS
TEAM SUPPORTS: WARRINGTON WOLVES
FAVOURITE PLAYER: MICHAEL MONAGHAN
FAVOURITE FILM: THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
FAVOURITE FOOD: SUSHI
PLAYER LIKELINESS: DAN SARGINSON
PASSIONATE ABOUT RL BECAUSE: IT'S WHAT HIS FAMILY DOES, GRANDDAD, DAD AND UNCLE ALL PLAYED IT.

Ryder has been a main stay in the Blue Ghosts side since starting University back in 2013. Starting out his career at Bennetts Recreation Ground in Warrington, for amateur side Woolston Rovers. Comfortably able to cover a variety of positions, but strongest position playing at left centre. His try was one of the key moments in last years Varsity win over Bradford, which helped Huddersfield to the big home win in 2015.

Ryder can be compared to Wigan's Dan Sarginson, because of both players abilities in attack and defence, Sarginson is known as a team player and has the ability to defend his line well, and a similar ability to attack the line when the team are pushing forward. Ryder's experience is key in the team, especially this season with the amount of new players coming through, and will certainly be missed next year.