16-year-old prop signs pro deal with Hunslet

James Gordon 09 Nov 2021 7:02 PM

Youngster Tre Webster has agreed a one-year deal with League 1 side Hunslet, two months shy of his 17th birthday.

Webster has made the decision to depart the academy scene at Huddersfield to take up a first-team deal.

He said: “I’m looking forward to a new challenge, playing with and against grown men, which will only further develop my game.

“I pride myself on my defence, and on making the hard yards, and I can only improve with Hunslet, in League 1. I can’t wait for the new season to start.”

Webster is a product of the East Leeds, Batley Boys and Stanningley community clubs.

He has recently been with Huddersfield’s Scholarship and Academy sides.

Head coach Alan Kilshaw said: “Tre Webster has challenged himself at a young age to have a crack at playing first grade Rugby League.

“He could have easily taken up another contract at Huddersfield and played another year at Academy level but he wanted to play for his local professional club again men.

“He has no fear and won’t take a backward step; so we have to make sure we nurture his talent and ability and get him up to speed on the physical side. I’m sure he will rise to this challenge.”

A front-row partner for Tre Webster

Meanwhile, prop Harvey Hallas has decided to play for Hunslet in 2022 after all.

The 23-year-old former Wakefield academy starlet had planned to take a year out.

He said: “It’s a weird one, really. I had in my mind that I’d take a year out from professional Rugby League. There’s been so much uncertainty in the sport, with the RFL not revealing what its plans were for League 1.

“That was getting to me a bit, and on top of that I’m self-employed, as a fitness trainer.

“Training with a professional club three times a week, plus playing a game at the weekend; obviously impacts on my business, so I indicated to our head coach, Alan Kilshaw, that I wouldn’t be around next year.

“But, having reflected on it, I got to thinking that I’ve more to prove in the game, including at Hunslet, so I got back to Killer and inside three days I’d signed up on a new one-year deal.”