GOOLE VIKINGS coach Brett Ferres believes the experience former Hull KR youngster Nathan Cullen has gained playing in Australia will benefit the Yorkshire side significantly.
Ferres has made the 23-year-old backrower his second new recruit since taking the reins from Scott Taylor after signing versatile forward Zeus Silk from Midands (now Birmingham) Hurricanes.
Cullen, from Beverley, came through the Hull KR ranks and cut his teeth at first-team level with the old Cornwall club, making 40 appearances (with nine tries) between 2022 and 2024.
He then headed to Queensland, where he has played for Sarina Crocs (under former Hull KR player Kane Linnett) and Mackay Magpies at ‘country’ level and spent a pre-season with Queensland Cup outfit Mackay Cutters.
Now, like Batley-bound former Hull FC centre Marcus Walker, who has been with Brisbane club Wynnum Manly Seagulls, he is returning to the UK to play in the Championship.
And Ferres, himself a former backrower who has only just hung up the boots, is eager to start working with him, explaining: “We’ve been really impressed with the bits we’ve seen of him and how he has come across in the conversations we’ve had.
“He’s got himself into fantastic shape and I think the experience in Australia has been massive for him, both in terms of learning the game and understanding the standards expected. He’ll no doubt have learnt a lot about himself as well.
“He has a lot of attributes to be excited about and, having played in his position myself, hopefully I can help get the best out of him.
“He’s another local lad from just up the road in Beverley, which is important to us. He understands the area, our values and what representing the local community means.”
Backrow Harry Aldous has signed a contract extension to 2028.
