David Clegg Continues His Series Introducing The Younger Players From The U19s’ 2016 Squad
BRAD MOFFATT (left)
Operating either at centre or second row, St Helens born, Brad Moffatt started learning his rugby, first at school, and then with highly respected Blackbrook ARLFC. It was not long before his talent came to the attention of the Saints, whom he joined as an U15 year old. This was followed by a move to, of all clubs Wigan Warriors, as an U16, before joining our U19s side at the start of last season.
He quickly settled in here, and featured in a small number of the games, as a first year. He was delighted to have been part of the team, which turned over the Leeds Rhinos, with one of the best performances of the season in the home fixture back in mid-May. He says that this was a really special occasion, and one of the best of his career so far.
BRAD STOREY (Centre)
For versatility as a forward, you need look no further than Brad Storey, who, although predominantly a back rower, has operated in every forward role, except hooker. Having been heavily involved in both football and motor-cross, as a youngster, it was not until the age of fourteen that he decided to try his hand at rugby league, which for a Wiganer is surprisingly late. It was, in fact, because of an injury sustained in motor-cross that he lost some of his appetite for that particular sport and consequently decided to join Wigan St Pat’s.
As might be expected, with a team like St Pat’s, successes and progress through various competitions, was never far away Indeed, in his very first season in the game, they won through to the quarter final of the North West Counties’ Cup, while, on a personal note, he was voted Players’ Player Of The Year.
He may have been a late comer to the sport, but he lost no time in making up for that, and within as little as a couple of months had been invited to join Salford Red Devils’ U16s Scholarship team. His debut game, against Castleford, quickly followed, and being on the main pitch at the A J Bell, this made for a very special occasion. Twelve months later, in his second term with the U16s, he was appointed captain of the team. Unfortunately, the following year, injury rather restricted his progress in his first year with the U19s – something he wants to rectify, this coming season.
JORDAN CELLA (Right)
When Burnley FC decided to release fourteen year old Jordan Cella, they unwittingly kick-started his rugby league career, as, on the invitation of some friends, he chose to try his hand a new sport, and being a native of Rochdale, joined Mayfield ARLFC. Within days of his first training session he was in the team for the weekend’s fixture, and after only his fourth match he had been spotted by Salford Red Devils’ scouts who, despite his obvious inexperience, recognised his potential.
Two years in the U16s corrected that lack of experience, and his graduation to the U19s last season saw him feature in a number of our fixtures. Expect that number to increase now that he is entering his second year at this level.
