Frankie Halton on fulfilling Super League dream 

Josh McAllister
Frankie Halton

Photo courtesy of Dec Hayes and Featherstone Rovers

Frankie Halton has only been in the professional game for three years, but he has already caught the attention of Super League bosses, earning a contract with Hull Kingston Rovers for 2022.

The back-rower made the step up from Leigh Miners for the 2019 Championship season with Swinton. He would go on to make 24 appearances in his debut year, earning a call-up to Ireland on the international stage for their World Cup qualifiers.

Halton featured in every game for the Lions in 2020 before the pandemic hit, and was soon later snapped up by Featherstone on a two-year deal.

The 25-year-old wore shirt number 20 in 2021. He became one of the stars in then-James Websters’ team, and was soon snapped up by Super League club Hull Kingston Rovers for 2022.

Frankie Halton on Super League goal

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Halton said.

“It’s been a goal of mine since I started at Swinton really. To get here now and get this opportunity, I’m really looking forward to it and can’t wait to get started. 

“Like I said, it’s been a goal of mine for a few years. I set myself a target of how quick I wanted to get here and I did that, so I’m quite proud of that. 

“I’ve been very fortunate to have had great coaches along my way which have all helped me and pushed my progression onwards. I’ve been lucky in that sense.

“I’m very excited about going full-time. I think any player who jumps to full-time will benefit from training and being around that environment. I’m just going to put my best foot forward in pre-season and hopefully can make an impact and get into Tony Smith’s team.”

Halton featured in Featherstone’s play-off final defeat to Toulouse, a club that helped with his progression.

“I loved my time at Featherstone, it’s a great club with passionate fans,” he said. “I learnt a lot there being in that system and playing with Super League standard players. 

“The million pound game was disappointing, but it wasn’t our night and fair play to Toulouse. They were the better team on the night and play some exciting rugby.”

Halton looking forward to working with Kane Linnett

Looking ahead to 2022, the former England Lions Under-23 representative will be hoping to impress to earn another call up to Stuart Littler’s Ireland squad. He is also looking forward to learning from some of the experienced names at Rovers. That includes former NRL centre Kane Linnett. 

“Obviously it was very disappointing with the World Cup being called off this year,” he said. “I’ll be doing everything I can to impress and get called up again. It’s always a privilege to play for Ireland and to also link up with Stuart again.

“I think I can learn a lot from a few players in different positions. But I think Kane Linnett is someone I’m looking forward to working with and speaking to. 

“He’s an NRL grand final winner and made the Super League Dream Team last season. Hopefully I can pick his brain and he can help me improve my game as a back-rower.”

Super League Hull Kingston Rovers