GOOLE VIKINGS coach Brett Ferres believes he can provide the right environment for young players who have come out of Super League clubs’ development set-ups to make their mark in the Championship – and maybe the top-flight at some stage.
Ex-Hull KR outside back Connor Barley has left Goole for Hull FC, whose former hooker Jeylan Hodgson has signed for Huddersfield, with the pair recruited after one and two seasons at the Vikings respectively.
Now Goole, where seasoned forward Ferres has hung up his boots to succeed Scott Taylor as coach for the club’s third campaign in the professional ranks, have signed 19-year-old props Alfie Petty from Hull KR and Jon Turner from Hull FC plus halfback Joe Thompson, 20, and winger Henry Hope, 18, also both from the Robins, and Castleford Tigers halfback or hooker Zach McGowan, 18.
Ferres, who also has veteran prop Liam Watts on board for 2027, said: “This club has already established a strong track record of unearthing and developing talented young players.
“We’re hoping to see a few more emerge over the next 18 months, and our job now is to help them build on their attributes and make the transition into regular senior rugby.
“Alfie and Jon are two young players we are bringing into the group who we believe have genuine potential. It’s about giving them the right coaching, opportunities and environment to grow.
“Joe is a smart footballer with a good kicking game and he’ll provide some solid depth and competition for places in our spine.
“Henry is a powerful winger with good pace and he knows how to finish. There’s still a lot of improvement in his game and he’s relatively raw, but he’s eager to learn and develop.”
Hope has signed a two-year contract while the other four youngsters have committed for one season.
