Wakefield Trinity have announced that highly-rated winger Lewis Murphy has signed a two-year full-time deal with the club.
Murphy is a product of the Trinity academy and has been in terrific form over a long period of time for the Under 19’s.
The 19-year-old, who played his junior rugby with Newsome Panthers and Underbank Rangers, will become a full-time member of the first team squad from the 2022 season and beyond.
Murphy admits he has been ‘dreaming of this moment’ since a young age and pays tribute to the individuals who have helped him secure this deal.
“I’m over the moon to sign full-time terms with Wakefield Trinity,” said Murphy.
“I have been dreaming of this moment since I was 6-year-old and now I am looking forward to showing the Wakefield fans what I am about, with lots of hard work still to go.
“I would personally like to thank my family, whilst also thanking Mark Applegarth and all the Academy staff who have helped me so much. I also want to thank my Newsome Panthers coaches, Mick and Darren, and my Underbank Rangers coaches, Darren, Andy and Rob.
“I’m now looking forward to getting back onto the field with the Academy as soon as possible, before working as hard as possible with the first-team squad to prepare for 2022.”
Wakefield Trinity Head of Youth, Mark Applegarth, said: “Lewis first joined us through the college programme. He turned up with his Dad and I thought he was here for football training!
“Lewis kept his head down and worked extremely hard for six months. His dedication really stood out and when he started to get control of his body, he really kicked on.
“I offered him a trial with the academy and in that period, he scored twelve tries in four games, so I knew I had a player on my hands.
“Lewis’ change of pace is brilliant and when his skills catch up to his athletic ability, I think he will be an excellent winger.
“He will continue to keep his head down without letting this get to his head and in 2-3 year’s time, I think we will have a really exciting talent on our hands.”
Trinity Head Coach, Chris Chester, added: “I’m delighted for Lewis that he’s signed a full-time deal with Wakefield Trinity.
“Lewis has worked really hard over a long period of time and this is a reward for the dedication he has shown to get to this stage.
“He is an exciting and pacy winger, with a natural athletic ability, and I know he will keep working as hard as ever to kick-on and improve from here.
“Mark Applegarth and the rest of the academy staff have done a brilliant job in developing Lewis and I look forward to seeing him develop further in the first team environment over the next few years.”
