Cornwall RLFC have signed Welsh flyer Jermarie Chatham for the 2023 Betfred League 1 season.
The 20-year-old attended the club’s open player trial back in November and impressed Mem chief Mike Abbott and his coaching staff. Chatham, who was born in Antigua but moved to the United Kingdom when he was 11, joined the first team squad and caught the eye in recent friendlies against London Skolars and Exeter University.
Chatham started his rugby league career with the Welsh amateur side Torfaen Tigers and also gained age-grade representative honours with Wales.
Whilst wearing the famous Red Dragon on his chest, Chatham scored a wonderful individual try for the under-16 side against England. After being nominated for the Rugby Football League’s try of the week, Chatham’s effort went viral and he was snapped up by Super League giants Hull FC.
After two years in East Yorkshire, with Chatham making several appearances for the Airlie Birds’ reserve side, he was released in 2022 before making the move to Cornwall.
“I can’t wait to make progress with Cornwall,” Chatham told cornwallrlfc.co.uk. “I went to the player trial and found everything about the club really positive.
“I know that I have the ability to get my rugby career back to where it was when I was at Hull and I can’t wait to get started with Cornwall. Moving to a new place and somewhere different will be another good life experience for me.
“I am determined to embrace the challenge and I can’t wait to get going with my new team mates.”
John Beach, Cornwall RLFC’s general manager, added: “Jermarie comes to us with an excellent rugby league pedigree after spending time with Hull FC, a club that is famed for producing quality players.
“We all remember that wonderful try that he scored against England for Wales which ultimately paved the way for his move to Hull. We are looking forward to seeing Jermarie deliver similar results for us in League 1 this season.”
