Goole Vikings’ first pre-season verdict amid ex-Leeds Rhinos man impact

Goole Vikings’ preparations for their first ever League One campaign are going swimmingly, says Callum Rutland. The Vikings have been welcomed into the professional rugby league ranks and they’ll get their season underway in just a few weeks’ time with cup commitments to take care of before League One gets started.

The Vikings have been drawn to face London Broncos in the Challenge Cup second round, with the former Super League side hosting on January 26. The club will play their first ever 1895 Cup game three weeks later with the East Yorkshire side set to take on either North Wales Crusaders or Newcastle Thunder before hosting Midlands Hurricanes in round one of the league season.

Before the competitive action gets underway, though, Goole will play a friendly against Featherstone Rovers at the Millennium Stadium on January 12. As such, Scott Taylor’s side don’t have long to wait until they’ll be in action for the first time and it seems pre-season is progressing well.

“The team dynamic has been great so far,” Rutland told Goole Vikings official channels ahead of the club’s first outing.

“We’ve got a new set of boys, and everyone’s getting on really well. Training has been enjoyable, and there’s a real sense of togetherness already. I can’t wait to get started and see how we do.”

Rutland is a former Hull FC academy player but left the club without making a senior appearance due to injury. As such, he is readying himself for his first competitive outing in professional rugby league and he has been working closely with former Leeds Rhinos man Brett Ferres in a bid to get himself ready.

“For me, it is just about getting match fit and hitting the ground running,” he added. “My aim is to stay injury-free and give my best to the team every week, and repay the faith the club has shown in me.

“I’ve been spending time with Brett focusing on rehab sessions to make sure I’m in the best shape possible. It’s been a good opportunity to get to know the lads better too.”