NO one really knew what to expect of Goole Vikings ahead of their maiden season as a club in League One.
Former Hull FC favourite Scott Taylor was head coach and with a number of high-profile players dotted through the squad such as Jamie Shaul, Thomas Minns, Misi Taulapapa and Brett Ferres, there was quiet optimism around the Victoria Pleasure Ground.
And to be fair to the Vikings, they didn’t exactly disgrace themselves. A 17-10 win over London Broncos in the Challenge Cup second round will forever be remembered and Taylor’s men went on to win eight games in the league to finish seventh.
It remains to be seen how Goole will fare against the bigger Championship sides following the league merger in 2026, but bringing in second-tier favourites such as Jack Miller, Connor Barley and Keenen Tomlinson will help – as will retaining the likes of Ben Dent, Alex Holdstock and Dean Roberts.
It will be difficult for all of the 2025 League One clubs to make the step up next season but Goole might shock a few.
One to watch
Connor Barley joins the Vikings from Featherstone, having only left Super League champions Hull KR last year.
Although Barley only played two games for the Robins, developing in such a winning environment can only benefit Goole in 2026.
The outside back was named Academy Player of the Year and finished as the club’s leading try scorer back in 2023 with his performances earned him selection in the Yorkshire Academy Origin series so it’s no surprise that the Vikings class Barley as a coup.
Squad: 1 Josh Guzdek, 2 Tom Halliday, 3 Cooper Howlett, 4 Keenen Tomlinson, 5 Callum Shaw, 6 Mackenzie Harman, 7 Jack Miller, 8 Tyler Craig, 9 Jeylan Hodgson, 10 Jack Arnold, 11 Brett Ferres, 12 Nick Staveley, 13 Harry Aldous, 14 Oliver Morgan, 15 Jack Aldous, 16 Harry Medlicott, 17 Jack Coventry, 18 Connor Barley, 19 Ben Hodder, 20 Shane Tuohey, 21 Bailey Dawson, 22 Callum Rutland, 23 Ben Dent, 24 Alex Holdstock, 25 Brad Bullock, 26 Baily Tait, 27 Leroy Ncube, 28 Manoa Wacokecoke, 29 Adam Rusling, 30 Liam Watts
Ins: Jack Miller (Rochdale), Shane Tunney (Leeds), Keenen Tomlinson (Dewsbury), Brad Bullock (Castleford), Cooper Howlett (Workington), Nick Staveley (Sheffield), Harry Medlicott (Souths Logan), Leroy Ncube (Castleford), Baily Tait (Bradford), Oliver Morgan (Warrington), Connor Barley (Featherstone), Adam Rusling (unattached), Liam Watts (Hull FC)
Outs: Jamie Shaul, Andy Ellis (both retired), Ryan Wright (released), Reece Dean, Thomas Minns (both Hull RU), Mike Ogunwole (Rotherham RU), Joe Phillips (Hull FC)