Hull Kingston Rovers have secured the services of promising youngster Will Oakes for the foreseeable future after the England Academy international signed a new two-year contract extension with the club.
Oakes, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday, toured Australia with the academy last summer and has been named as part of the England Under-18’s Development Squad for the 2017 season.
A winger with both strength and pace, as well being a good goal-kicker, Oakes made his Super League debut with the club last season at the age of just 17 and continues to train full time with the first team squad at the Robins as well as playing for the City of Hull Academy.
Out of contract at the end of the season after joining the club from Wakefield Trinity, Oakes has now put pen to paper on a further two-year extension that will keep him at KCOM Craven Park until the end of the 2019 campaign.
Head coach Tim Sheens said: “I really like what I’ve seen from Will so far and there’s no doubt he’s got a lot of potential. He works hard at his game and he’s a pleasure to coach.
“Will was out of contract at the end of the season and we wanted to move quickly to secure his future here at Hull Kingston Rovers. I’m sure there would have been plenty of other clubs interested in him but we’re delighted that he wants to stay here.
“Despite his undoubted ability, it’s important to remember that he’s only just turned 18 and we won’t be rushing him. He’s still eligible to play with the City of Hull Academy and that’s a good environment for him as well as training full-time with us.
“However, there’s no doubt in my mind that he will be given some opportunities with the first team in the Championship this season. He’s capable of performing at this level and handling the physicality of the division, but his development will be closely monitored and we won’t risk expecting too much from him too soon.”