Hull FC Academy star Nick Staveley has expressed his pride and excitement to be be included in the Yorkshire Academy squad to face Lancashire next month.
The Leeds-born loose-forward, who joined the club’s academy earlier this season, is one of four Hull FC representatives in the squad alongside Davy Litten, Jacob Hookem and Callum Rutland.
The side will be coached by Hull FC Academy head coach Danny Wilson when they face their red rose rivals at Weetwood Hall on August 4th, with Staveley delighted at the chance of his first representative rugby league action.
Speaking to hullfc.com, Staveley said: “When I got called, I didn’t really believe it – it was a bit of a shock to me that I’d been selected but its started to sink in now, and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to represent my county.
“I was just sat in my room and I got the call from Danny Wilson – I honestly didn’t know what to say. My parents were pretty emotional too!
“Now it’s a case of kicking on and ensuring that I get into the playing squad when the matches come around.
On his pride to be pulling on a representative jersey for the very first time in his career, he added: “It’s a proud moment for me. When you’re playing and training, playing representative rugby isn’t something you necessarily think about much. But when it comes to it, it’s a really special moment.
“I was supposed to go play against France for England, but it all got closed down due to Covid before we even started training. So this is a special moment.
“I’m just ready to start now – I want to get into the first training session and rip in and show that even though I’m a year younger, I’m worthy of being in that squad.”
On the benefits of having fellow Black & White players in the squad with him, he continue: “Its a big bonus to have those lads in there too in terms of us settling in and having some familiar faces around the camp.
“I know a few of the lads from other clubs but it’ll be really nice to share that experience with them.”
Staveley also discussed life at the Black & Whites, having joined the club from Warrington’s scholarship side ahead of the start of the 2021 campaign.
“I feel like I fit in well here, in terms of the systems and how we play – I love it here.
“And it helps that there are other boys from out of town too. We’ve got a couple of Leeds lads in the squad for example so I’m not the odd one out in the squad.
“When I was speaking to people at Hull, they made it sound like a big family and you’re really well looked after by the club. I’d played against a few of the lads for when they were at Skirlaugh and West Hull.”
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