Noi and Etchells answer England call

YOUNG WARRIORS . . . Jack Etchells (left) and Isaac Noi

RUGBY:


Two up-and-coming local rugby league players, Isaac Noi and Jack Etchells are in a squad of 31 young hopefuls selected for the England under-16 side.

The duo will join the England coaching staff at the Sheffield Institute of Sport this month to start preparations for games against Wales and France later this year.

Isaac, from Dobcross, and Jack, of Moorside, have links with Oldham St Anne’s. Both are Wigan Warrior scholars.

Isaac (16), a pupil at Hulme Grammar School, had a spell at Saints before signing for Rochdale Mayfield, while the latter remains at Higginshaw Lane. Both play centre.

Jack (14), is a newcomer to the sport; the talented footballer — he had trials at Athletic and Rochdale — claimed the golden boot award in the Tameside Sunday League after scoring 78 goals in a season.

The first-year scholar was a member of the Lancashire’s County Championship-winning team at under-14 level, beating arch rivals Yorkshire in the final.

Bue to his all-round sporting prowess, Jack was awarded the Year 10 Sportsman trophy at Blue Coat — after previously winning it in Year Nine.