Australian hooker signs for Doncaster after successful trial

League 1 club Doncaster have confirmed the signing of Australian hooker Josh Veacock for the rest of the season following a successful trial period.

Veacock has impressed Doncaster coach Richard Horne whilst on trial with the Dons, which included appearances against Workington and Dewsbury this month.

Horne said: “Joshua has impressed in training. He’s shown versatility, as he can play as a 13 or nine.

“Now he’s signed and settled we think there’s even more to come from him.”

Doncaster chief executive Carl Hall said: “It’s the least Josh deserves – not only because of his obvious quality as a player but the commitment and effort he’s put in to creating this opportunity for himself.”

Josh Veacock pursuing his rugby league dream

The Australian, who previously played for Toukley Hawks on Australia’s Central Coast, made the decision to pursue a rugby league career in England. He used social media to make contact with clubs, leading him to speak with Dons chief executive Hall.

Paying for his own visa and travel costs, Veacock travelled to the UK in search of a trial and found himself at Doncaster.

And he has now secured a permanent contract for the remainder of 2023.

Veacock said: “I got in contact with Carl and it went from there. I got in contact with Carl, we just got chatting he put me through to a few clubs and it was sort of up in there and I hadn’t really signed anywhere yet so I just told Carl that I was going to come over just to see what it was like and do a bit of travelling and he said ‘well whilst you’re here, why don’t you come for a trial?’ so it just snowballed from there.

“The lads are heaps welcoming, a great bunch of lads and I couldn’t feel more at home.

“I can be pretty dangerous if I get a quick play of the ball and there’s a fair bit of push.”

Veacock will make his third appearance for Doncaster in Sunday’s League 1 clash with London Skolars at the Eco-Power Stadium.

READ NEXT: Super League Grand Final winner joins League 1 club