Lewis Davey, 22, currently at Leeds Trinity University, is part of a 20-man squad set to travel on the 2nd September and will play matches against the Turkish national side, other local sides as well as running sessions to help the growth of the game in Turkey.

Davey, formerly on the books of the Newcastle Thunder Academy, has recently played for the Kingston Press Championship side, Keighley Cougars while combining his studies at university and toured Hungary with the same side back in 2016.

This is the first time he has been asked to captain the GB Pioneers, representing another exciting step in his burgeoning career.

“It is fantastic for Lewis and fantastic for the club” said Rockets Chairman, Jeff Ball.

“To be able to say to our current junior players ‘Lewis started off like you’ and then to see him captain a GB side, there is no better example.

He has a fantastic attitude and we are sure he will be very successful on this tour and beyond.”

The club completed a fundraiser to help towards Davey’s travel costs, successfully raising £358 to ensure he was on the plane.

“I’m very excited to be named as captain” said Davey. “Thank you to everyone that has supported me. You’ve helped me out so much and I would not have been able to go without your support.”