Following the latest round of Academy and Scholarship fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:
Denive Balmforth (Hull FC Academy) – Grade A High Tackle – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Ethan Lyne (Huddersfield Academy) – Grade D Dangerous Throw – Refer to Tribunal
Jeffrey Maddox (Wigan Academy) – Grade E Dangerous Throw – Refer to Tribunal
Though Balmforth has been cited here, the teenage hooker is expected to have a huge future ahead of him.
He joined the Black and Whites earlier this year from the Warrington Wolves after a fee was agreed between the two clubs for the exciting prospect to move to East Yorkshire.
Leeds-born Balmforth had been one of Warrington’s stand-out players in their youth system in recent seasons, having originally played both league and rugby union at junior level.
Praised for his work ethic and attitude by coaches at the Wolves, Balmforth previously represented Stanningley ARLFC, winning the Yorkshire Cup at U14’s level in 2018.
A dynamic and powerful ball player, the teenager plays hooker and loose forward and is already learning from the likes of Danny Houghton, Jordan Johnstone and Joe Lovodua.
Speaking to hullfc.com upon joining, Balmforth said: “Hull have been watching me for a while since my junior rugby and having spoken to the club more recently, I really liked the sound of the opportunity to come over and be part of the Rising Stars group.
“The chance to work with three out and out hookers here at Hull is something that was a real draw for me, including a former Man of Steel in Danny Houghton – who is probably one of the best hookers that Super League has seen. You’ve also got Jordan and Joey who bring different qualities too, so I’m hoping to learn from all three of them and take little bits of each of their own games to add to mine.”
