Goole Vikings sign former Leeds Rhinos prop as Scott Taylor lands 18th recruit

League One’s newest side Goole Vikings have confirmed that a former Leeds Rhinos prop has become their 18th recruit for 2025.

Heading into their inaugural campaign in League One, Goole Vikings have put together a team mixing experience with youth as they’ve looked to Hull FC connections to shape much of their squad.

That’s evident with Scott Taylor taking on his maiden head coach gig and former Black and Whites CEO James Clark working with the club in what has been dubbed a ‘strategic capacity’.

Chief among the club’s signings was former Hull FC full-back Jamie Shaul whilst other familiar names include ex-Leeds Rhinos man Brett Ferres, Thomas Minns and a handful of former Hull FC academy players.

Now, the club have confirmed the signing of a former Leeds Rhinos academy player a prop Joe Phillips committing to the club for the 2025 season, becoming the Vikings’ 18th signing ahead of their maiden campaign in League One.

Leeds Rhinos man signs for League One outfit

Phillips is an England Academy international and has also represented Yorkshire in the Academy Origin series and the 18-year-old looks to be a very exciting prospect.

He debuted for the Rhinos’ first team when they played fellow Leeds-based club Hunslet during the pre-season with Goole’s statement claiming that they ‘fought off some high-profile competition for his signature’.

The statement read: “The Goole Vikings have announced the signing of England Academy international Joe Phillips ahead of their 2025 Betfred League One campaign.

“The former Leeds Rhinos prop becomes the club’s eighteenth signing for their inaugural professional season, in what is another notable coup for rugby league’s newest club.”

Head coach Scott Taylor reacted to the signing: “Joe is a fantastic addition to our squad. He is held in regard at Leeds and by a number of people we have spoken to around the game, with the potential to be a very promising homegrown front rower.

“He had options to stay at Leeds, as well as other clubs in higher divisions than us, but he has fully bought into what we are trying to do at the Vikings and the opportunity for him to play regularly and develop in our system – which I think speaks volumes for his character at a young age.”

On signing with Goole, Phillips said: “I’m very excited to get started at the Vikings in preparation for the upcoming season. The club has recruited well, in terms of both players and backroom staff.

“After speaking to both James and Scott, and seeing what direction Goole is heading, it was a no-brainer for me to take this opportunity.”

He added: “I see being part of the club as a good opportunity to prove myself as a young middle playing against experienced players and learning the game, playing week in-week out.

“I’ll have some good players and staff around me and the club has been really supportive, which made it an easy decision for me.”