The Cramlington Rockets player who also plies his trade for the Newcastle Thunder Academy was named as one of a dozen youngsters across a range of sports set for big things in years to come.

Hopes are therefore high for stand-off cum full back, Donaghy who was named North East player of the Year in 2017 for his role in Cramlington Rockets’ treble-winning side and performances for the Newcastle Thunder Academy.

Such was the standard of his performances that he ended the season with a debut for England Youth against Wales in Cardiff before playing several times for the Academy side of current Super League Champions, Leeds Rhinos.

“We’re really proud for Alex and his family” said Thunder General Manager and Cramlington Rockets U16s Coach, Jordan Robinson.

“They’ve all made a big commitment, particularly when Alex had to travel to Leeds every week for training so to see him recognised as one of the finest talents the region has means a lot to everyone that has been involved in his journey so far.”

Sport Newcastle has a long history of supporting athletes and clubs in the Tyne & Wear and wider area and counts Olympian, Jonathan Edwards and Newcastle United legends Alan Shearer and Sir John Hall amongst its ambassadors.

400 people crammed into the Civic Centre for the gala event that recognised the achievements of numerous sports through 2017, with the Rising Stars awards been a primary focus.

Over the years, alumni of its Rising Stars award have accumulated numerous national and Olympic titles and reached the highest level of the international or professional game in their respective sports.

The inclusion of Donaghy in the list is not the first time the Rockets have featured. One ex-Rocket, Callum Chick featured back in 2016 as a Rising Star before he went on to win the U18s World Cup with England Rugby Union and made his professional debut for Aviva Premiership side, Newcastle Falcons.

When asked if Donaghy is on the same trajectory as his many predecessors, Robinson added: “Absolutely. He’s hard working, disciplined and humble. There’s a long way to go but there’s no reason why he can’t make it at the highest level.

It just shows that rugby league in the North East has the talent coming through. It is up to the whole game to make sure that Alex is the first of many to recognised like this in the coming years.”

For more information about Sport Newcastle visit www.sportnewcastle.org.uk.