Rugby Academy Player Secures Professional Rugby League Contract

One of our students Will Rolls has taken a major step forward in his sporting career after being offered a professional academy contract in Rugby League at Wakefield Trinity.

Will is currently studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity at Gateshead College, where he’s been balancing academic life with a demanding training schedule.

His rugby journey began at just four years old, playing alongside his brother at Rockcliff Rugby Club in Whitley Bay. From there, his passion for the sport grew, and so did his ambition.

At age nine, Will discovered Rugby League during the Rugby Union off-season and quickly fell in love with the game.

He joined Gateshead Storm, a club that offered him the opportunity to compete in the Yorkshire League, training twice a week and travelling for weekend matches. It was here that Will made the pivotal decision to focus fully on Rugby League, stepping away from Union and committing to his development.

Will’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. He began attending player development days with Wakefield, where he trained during school holidays and showcased his skills to club coaches.

In January 2023, his hard work paid off when he was offered a two-year scholarship with Wakefield; A milestone that involved intensive training three times a week, including field sessions, gym work, wrestling, and psychological development.

To further challenge himself, Will joined Wakefield Hawks, a Division 1 community club in Yorkshire. This move pushed him out of his comfort zone and helped him grow as a player, both technically and mentally.

After two years of commitment and growth, Will played his final game for the Hawks in July and has now earned a coveted Academy contract.

“I know I have a lot of hard work ahead of me,” Will says. “Balancing college life and training will take focus and dedication, but I’m going to give it my everything to make it happen.”