The club already has a number of Rockets within the Academy set up, Kieron Bruce and David Weetman for the U19s and Kieran Ridley and Jack Quinn for the U16s.

This year, a further six players from Cramlington Rockets have been asked to join the region’s academy as they make their first steps towards professional rugby.

From the U15s, Coaches’ Player of the Year Oilver Gowing is joined by fast stepping half back Tom Wilcox and no nonsense centre Rhys Edgell to cap off another successful season that saw the U15s lift their third league championship in a row.

From the club’s U14s, who also won the League this year, speedster full back Ryan Hull is joined by Seth Kippax-Jones, a prop who only took up the sport this season and has enjoyed a rapid rise.

Completing the set is one of the Rocket’s longest serving players and U14s Captain, Owen Wright.

The players will enjoy expert coaching under Super League legend, Lee Crooks, training out of Gateshead International Stadium.

Alongside the Academy there will be Open Access Days, typically on a Monday night, for those that did not make the cut this time and want to continue to develop their skills in a high-level environment.

“We are extremely pleased for all of our players” said Chairman, Jeff Ball.

“They are the latest in an ever increasing line of players who have represented their region and those who are already in the Academy have set a great example for them to follow.

The U14s trained with U16s Jack and Kieran recently and their attitude and skills were notable throughout the session. I'm sure in a year or two the same new faces selected will be able to pass that experience down to the next generation.

They have a lot of work to do now but I know that if given the chance to pull on the North East shirt I know they will not let anyone down.”