How Goole Vikings could line up in 2025 with latest signing included

Goole Vikings have announced the signing of former Hull FC outside-back Callum Shaw ahead of their inaugural season.

The 19-year-old has impressed for the reserves side with the Airlie Birds, and now joins a senior side for the upcoming RFL League One campaign.

Primarily a winger, he made eight appearances for Whitehaven in the Championship last season while on loan, but didn’t score a try.

Now, he’ll have a go one step down from that level, where he could be a real asset.

If he ends up being a starter, how could he fit into Goole‘s XIII?

How Goole Vikings could line up in 2025 with latest signing included

Fullback: Jamie Shaul

Shaul is up against Josh Guzdek for this position, but his 200 games of Super League experience, with games as recently as 2023, make the two-time Challenge Cup winner a show-in for this position.

Wingers: Tom Halliday and Callum Shaw

Shaw may see himself on the opposite wing to Tom Halliday, who scored eight tries for Championship side Doncaster last year.

He was a key part of the Dons’ successful promotion campaign from League One, and has 35 tries in the division under his belt, making him a likely starter.

Centres: Misi Taulapapa and Thomas Minns

Taulapapa is more of a winger but is very capable in the centre position, even playing there once in NRL, and has played for an extended period in the position in this very division for Newcastle Thunder.

Alongside him could be the only real natural centre signed up so far – with former Leeds Rhinos, London Broncos and Hull KR man Thomas Minns returning to the game after two years out.

Halves: Mackenzie Harman and Reece Dean

Reece Dean has plenty of halfback experience, and is another returning to rugby league after time out, although he has been playing rugby union before making the switch back.

He also brings goal-kicking ability, and could be complemented by another former Hull FC man in Mackenzie Harman, who started in the halves for Rochdale Hornets during the back-end of last season, including in play-off victory over Hunslet.

Front row: Alex Holdstock, Jeylan Hodgson and Mike Ogunwole

Jeylan Hodgson may be a starter over Andy Ellis due to the latter’s age and time away from the game, having not played since 2019.

Josh Hodgson’s nephew, he played for Hull FC’s reserves last year and can now try his hand at senior rugby.

Alex Holdstock, part of Doncaster RLFC’s squad last year, and Mike Ogunwole may start, although Jack Aldous’ experience could get him into the 13 despite time away from the game since 2020.

Back row: Brett Ferres, Bailey Dawson and Harry Aldous

A really strong position for Goole Vikings, with former Bradford, Wakefield, Castleford, Huddersfield and Leeds man Brett Ferres a big name bringing over 400 games of professional rugby league experience, and Super League Grand Final-winning quality.

Former Castleford youngster Bailey Dawson could play alongside him, having been part of Dewsbury Rams’ side in the Championship last year.

Harry Aldous, signed alongside brother Jack, is one of few natural loose-forwards in the squad so far, and is a former Hull KR man.