Five stars

HAVING A BALL: Danny Lomax (left), Ashley Webb, Ryan Maneely, Lewis Galbraith and Ben White (Leeds).

FIVE members of the all-conquering Saddleworth Rangers under-16s side from last season have landed professional contracts in Super League.

The talented quintet — Ben White, Ryan Maneely, Ashley Webb, Lewis Galbraith and Danny Lomax — got their top-flight reward for a string of impressive performances.

The team-mates helped Rangers win back-to-back North-West Counties League Premier Division titles at under-15s and under-16s.

Alan Bolton, assistant coach to Tim White at under-16s level last season, said: “It is amazing to have five players from the same team to sign forms with Super League clubs — it is a once in a generation thing.

“Because none of them are from St Helens or Wigan they’ve had to work twice as hard to get noticed.

“A really good set of lads, they’ve done exceedingly well and hopefully can fulfil their potential.”

White, a stand-off, has signed a deal at Leeds Rhinos; Maneely, who plays at hooker, has penned a deal at Warrington Wolves; Webb, a prop, will continue his career at Huddersfield Giants; former Oldham St Anne’s centre Galbraith is hoping to make an impact at St Helens; Lomax, another stand-off, will aim to shine at Salford City Reds.

White and Lomax are already playing for their clubs’ respective under-18s sides and are expected to step up to the under-20s soon.

The former is a rugby union convert. He played for Aldwinians and represented Lancashire.