A second former Hull KR player, who began his career with Leeds Rhinos, has joined rugby league’s newest club as Goole Vikings build ahead of their maiden 2025 campaign in League One.
The Vikings launched earlier this week and that has seen them go about some impressive recruitment, both on and off the field.
Former Hull FC shot-caller James Clark has been appointed whilst former Black and Whites star Scott Taylor has taken the reins as the head coach in his first role since retiring at the end of the 2023 season.
Goole were appointed a licence to become the newest League One club after the RFL opened up invitations for clubs to apply, with the Vikings ultimately beating out Bedford Tigers and Anglian Vipers.
The club have already signed names such as Tom Halliday, Josh Guzdek and former Hull FC man Jamie Shaul but they’ve now added former Hull KR man Thomas Minns.
It’s another statement signing for the club which is hoping to make waves in League One in 2025 ith the Vikings confirming the signing via a press release.
It read: “Goole Vikings’ exciting back line is taking shape with the addition of local boy Thomas Minns.
“The dynamic former Super League centre lives close to Goole, and becomes the Vikings fifth high-profile new recruit for the Betfred League One campaign.”
Goole Vikings sign former Hull KR man
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Minns would play almost 50 games for Hull KR but started his career out at Leeds Rhinos before most recently playing for Wakefield Trinity.
A recent move to work in the fire and rescue service has now been put on hold with Minns granted permission to take up this opportunity with the Vikings.
Head coach Scott Taylor said: “Bringing in a player like Tom is another boost for the club after what has been a fantastic week for us.
“His experience in Super League and the Championship, along with his ability to play both sides of the ball, makes him a great asset for us.
“He is a proven performer and on his day he will be one of the best players in our competition next season.
“We’ve been really impressed with his attitude and drive, he has a real desire to be part of this project, particularly being a relatively local lad. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Minns himself added: “I’m really excited to be joining Goole Vikings at such an exciting time for the club. This is a great opportunity to be part of something special, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and helping the team achieve success next season.
“From day one when I was approached by James and Scott, I was blown away by the professionalism, the ambition and their vision as to how they see the club being built; it has really re-ignited my passion for the game. I’m excited about what we can achieve.
“I’m looking forward to playing a senior role in the group and passing on some of my experience and knowledge to the younger lads and can’t wait to get started in pre-season.”
