DEWSBURY RAMS coach Paul March might have all the experience of his ‘Mr Marvel’ Paul Sykes to call on once again in 2026.
But the FLAIR Stadium team chief also has big trust in George Senior (pictured), who was born in 1999, shortly after halfback Sykes, now 44, played his first match at senior level, for Bradford against one of his future clubs Wakefield.
And March has installed centre Senior, 25, as skipper, with Jacob Hookem and Jack McShane vice-captains.
Senior is going into his second season at Dewsbury after moving from neighbours Batley.
Ex-Hull FC halfback Hookem, 23, switched from Castleford ahead of the 2024 campaign while hooker McShane, 25, stepped up to the professional ranks alongside his elder brother, fullback Craig, 27, a year ago after the pair impressed for Hunslet ARLFC in the National Conference League.
Such was their impact that just months into last season, Dewsbury extended the contracts of both until 2027.
Craig completed the campaign with four tries in 19 appearances and Jack with six in 21 as Dewsbury finished fourth in League One following relegation from the second tier.
Senior and Hookem both played in all 22 games, crossing seven and five times respectively (second rower Keenen Tomlinson, now at Goole, was also an ever-present), while Sykes featured on eleven occasions.
March has added to the competition for places by bringing in young prospects George Rayner, a fullback from Bradford, and Jacob Parkinson, a hooker from Hull KR.
“It’s been about replacing some who have left, trying to strengthen the squad as well, and creating a strong core going forward,” explained March.
“George always really impressed me when I watched Bradford Reserves. He’s coming in for an opportunity at this level and I’m really looking forward to working with him.
“Jacob has been in a good development system at Hull KR, and is very lively out of dummy-half. He is also coming in to make his mark, and leading by example in training.”
Dewsbury have added a pre-season game against what is likely to be a young Bradford side at home on Saturday, January 10 (1.30pm).