Harry Rushton to make England return after leaving Canberra

Former Wigan youngster Harry Rushton has been granted a release by NRL side Canberra Raiders so he can take up an opportunity back home in England.

The 20-year-old forward joined the Raiders on a three-year deal ahead of the 2021 season from Super League giants Wigan.

Rushton has made three NRL appearances since making his first-grade debut for Canberra earlier this season.

Harry Rushton departs with Canberra’s best wishes

Raiders chief executive Don Furner said: “Harry joined us from Wigan at the beginning of 2021 as a young player looking for an opportunity and leaves us a player who has had the opportunity to make an NRL debut this season.

“Harry will return home to England to be closer to his family and take up an opportunity closer to home. We wish Harry all the best for the future.”

The Blackpool-born man has been out with a broken jaw since July 9 when he played for Canberra’s reserve side in the New South Wales Cup.

Rushton came through the ranks at Wigan, making one first team appearance in 2020 before making the move Down Under.

He grew up in England having been born in the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. He is of Irish heritage, meaning he could play for England and Ireland on the international stage.

Rushton could represent his English or Irish side of the family at this year’s World Cup if picked by selectors.

He played his junior rugby at Shevington Sharks and Wigan St Patricks before progressing through the ranks at the Warriors.

Rushton is comfortable playing anywhere in the forward pack. He has played prop, back-row and loose forward in his promising career so far.

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