GOOLE VIKINGS have dipped into the community game to sign one of the National League’s hottest prospects in Eligh Wilkinson.

And they will be hoping the 19-year-old West Hull winger can make the same kind of impression on the Championship that the McShane brothers, Craig and Jack, did at Dewsbury Rams.

Fullback Craig and hooker Jack joined the Rams from Hunslet ARLFC ahead of the 2025 season, when Dewsbury were in League One.

They were key figures as Paul March’s men finished fourth, then helped his side make the transition to this year’s merged second tier.

Work and family commitments led to the two McShanes stepping down from the professional game midway through this year.

And they were both back in the Hunslet ARLFC side who beat West Hull, including Wilkinson, 14-0 in last month’s National League Grand Final at Wakefield Trinity’s DIY Kitchens Stadium.

That meant Wests missed out on the title after topping the Premier Division with 20 wins and a draw from 22 matches.

They bounced back to lift the BARLA National Cup, Wilkinson going over for five tries in the 44-16 win over Ince Rose Bridge at Castleford Tigers’ OneBore Stadium.

That took his tally to 31 over a season in which he won the National League Premier Division Player of the Year award and represented England Community Lions at Under 19 level.

Wilkinson, who is also a capable goal-kicker, played one match for then-Midlands Hurricanes alongside his elder brother Tom in 2025, and is now ready for another crack at professional level.

“We’ve had a great year at West Hull and it has given me the hunger to show I can make the step up,” he told the Vikings website.

“I can’t wait to hit the ground running and hopefully show everyone what I’ve got to offer.”

Goole coach Brett Ferres is keen to work with Wilkinson, saying: “Eligh has genuine pace, knows how to finish and has some fantastic natural attributes.

“We feel we can help him develop and improve, which is an exciting prospect for both him and the club.”

Goole’s Championship rivals Barrow Raiders, Whitehaven and Workington Town have a track record of successfully bringing in players from the community game.