Huddersfield Giants player Ronan Michael is on his way to Canberra Raiders.
The Irish youngster, 19, will spend several weeks with the NRL Grand Finalists as part of the new joint Academy program the two clubs have created ahead of the 2020 season.
The two clubs announced the cross-continent partnership last month, which will see numerous Huddersfield youngsters afforded the opportunity to train in Canberra’s renowned junior system before returning to the Giants at the end of their time in Australia.
“This Academy partnership will allow talented young English players the opportunity to come to Australia and test themselves against the best young players in Australia,” Canberra’s CEO Don Furner said at the time of the partnership being announced.
“They will have the opportunity to train and play in the Raiders’ junior system and go back home with more experience.
“The Raiders have always had a strong focus on junior development, and we believe we have one of the best pathway systems in the NRL. Through this Academy, this pathway is now open to a new group of players from England, who can gain valuable tools in their journey to becoming first-grade players.”
More players are expected to follow Michael, a rugby union convert who only started playing the 13-man code two years ago, in the coming days and weeks.
