DEWSBURY RAMS coach Paul March wants other players to step up and flourish following the departure of the McShane brothers, Craig and Jack.
Fullback Craig, 27, and hooker Jack, 25, were both halfway through their second year in the professional game.
They moved up after shining for Hunslet ARLFC in what was then the National Conference League (now National League) – a competition March knows well.
They helped the south Leeds side win the title two years running (2023 and 2024).
That was after contributing to the 2022 NCL Grand Final triumph of Hunslet Parkside, who then merged with Hunslet Warriors to form ARLFC.
Each impressed over 36 Dewsbury appearances, Craig claiming seven tries and Jack twelve – and had helped the West Yorkshire side adapt to the challenge of the merged second tier.
The pair put their decisions to leave down to work and family commitments, and Craig has since featured back at Hunslet ARLFC.
“It was disappointing to lose them, but I get their thinking, because semi-professional rugby is a big commitment,” said March.
“Craig in particular works away a lot, and we were willing to give him that flexibility over attending training sessions which he might not have got elsewhere.
“Both of them were committed to the club and did well for us, which I always thought they would.
“Jack got a bit of an injury in his last game for us (at Widnes in early June), and we’ve looked after him.
“It’s a shame they didn’t give it to the end of the season, but both of them know their own minds, and we move on.
“Bailey O’Connor can play fullback and we’ve had a look at various options at hooker. It’s a great chance for players to stake a claim.”