Kristian is a class act

Rugby player Kristian Hilton has been picked to play for the Norway under Rugby League under 19s team.

SADDLEWORTH Rangers prospect Kristian Hilton made a good impression when making his debut on the international stage.

Hilton (17) played for Norway's under-19s against Serbia in Nannestad (60km north of Oslo) in the country's first-ever youth international clash.

Norway lost the game 54-12 against a physical and much more experienced Serbian team, but Hilton's dad Matt was proud of his son's efforts.

He said: "We had a great weekend and Kristian enjoyed the game.

'SECOND HALF'

"It was tough, playing against some much bigger lads from Serbia, but the Norway team played really well in the second half in particular.

"Don't forget, rugby league is still very much in its infancy in Norway. Some of the lads on Kristian's team had only taken up the game a few months ago.

"Kristian really enjoyed it though, and he will play again if selected.

"He's hoping he may get a call-up to either the under-20s or the senior Norwegian team before too long."

Kristian is hoping to follow in elder brother Thomas's footsteps. He played for the Norway team in 2011.

The brothers qualify to represent the country because their mum is Norwegian.

Kristian is now back home and looking forward to playing for Rangers' under-18s team this weekend in a fixture against Woolston.

A former pupil at Saddleworth School, Kristian is currently studying 'A' levels at Greenhead College, Huddersfield.