Get ready for a rising star in the world of rugby league! Elliot Middlemas, the young Hull FC winger, is making waves and leaving a lasting impression during the pre-season trials.
A Rising Star is Born
In a sport often dominated by seasoned veterans, Elliot Middlemas, a mere 18-year-old, has stepped up to the plate and showcased his talent. His performances in both pre-season games against Huddersfield Giants and Wigan Warriors have been nothing short of impressive, catching the eye of head coach John Cartwright.
During the trial against the Giants, Middlemas started with a bang, scoring two tries on the left wing. His first try was a beauty, taking a kick and showing great awareness and skill to score. The second try was a result of his speed and precision, as he was put into space and ran away from defenders.
At Wigan, Middlemas continued his impressive form, coming off the bench and featuring on both wings. He demonstrated solid play under the high ball, returning it with confidence. When given the chance to showcase his speed, he didn't disappoint, setting up Hull's strike through Davy Litten, who also had an impressive game.
A Talent Nurtured
But here's where it gets interesting. Middlemas' journey to the first team hasn't been a straightforward one. At just 18, he has already spent two years in the academy, having missed out on a scholarship initially. However, his talent was spotted while playing for the local community side, West Hull, and he was picked up by the club. Since then, he has been training with the first team alongside other young talents like Jon Turner and Rio Kassim, and his highlight reel speaks for itself.
Standing at an impressive 187cm, Middlemas physically resembles Lewis Martin and Harvey Barron. With his clever play, awareness, and speed, he is being tipped as one to watch in the reserves this year. He will be joining the likes of Will Wilson, Jon Turner, and Jordon Baker, who all have reserves contracts, and could be a key player for Hull FC's future.
The Coach's Take
Coach Cartwright had high praise for Middlemas after the Wigan game, calling him a "clever footballer." He highlighted Middlemas' ability to score tries, attributing it to his awareness and skill. Cartwright also praised his catching ability, noting that he very rarely drops the ball.
The reserves season kicks off on February 14th against London Broncos, and you can find the full fixture list here.
So, what do you think? Is Middlemas set to be a star in the making? Will he make a significant impact in the reserves this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear your predictions and opinions on this exciting young talent.
