Wildcats sign young Cumbrian ace

Wakefield have given a full-time contract to 18 year-old centre Karl Olstrom from top west Cumbrian amateur club Wath Brow Hornets.
 
Olstrom, who also had attracted interest from Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls, arrived at the Hearwell Stadium in March and he has been given his contract after successfully completing trials with the Wildcats.
 
The former West Cumbrian Under 18 player has been working in the building industry and describes his full-time contract with Wakefield as: “A dream come true!”
 
Olstrom, who has been allocated the squad number 34 on the Wildcat roster, added: “It’s always been my ambition to win a contract with a Super League club. Now it’s happened and I’m delighted to be joining the Wildcats.
 
“I found out last week that the club had decided to give me a contract and it was a wonderful moment for me.”
 
Now Olstrom, who turned down an opportunity to join Co-operative Championship club Whitehaven to pursue his Super League, said: “Now that I’ve got the contract I wanted my next goal is to earn a place in the Wakefield first team and then keep that spot.”
 
John Kear, the Wildcats Head Coach, said: “I’d like to welcome Karl to the Wildcat family. We were impressed with what we saw during his trial games with us and I’d like to congratulate him on winning a full-time professional contract.
 
“Wakefield will compete for the top young talent in Rugby League no matter where they are to be found. It’s important that we maintain that vigilance if we want succeed in our ambition to become one of the leading clubs in the Engage Super League.”