Brothers take next step to realising top-flight dream

ALL THE BEST... Joe Greenwood (second, left) and brother James (right) with Saddleworth Rangers secretary Peter Townsend (left) and club chairman Terry Flanagan.

RUGBY: TWO talented siblings look destined for the big time after penning deals with Engage Super League clubs.

Prop James Greenwood (19) is part of Wigan’s under-20s squad after signing a 12-month contract.

His move came after 17-year-old brother Joe came to a two-year agreement with St Helens.

The younger Greenwood occupies a second row berth in the under-18 and 20 teams.

The pair came through the ranks at Saddleworth Rangers, whom they joined at the age of six, and were coached by dad Keith.

They follow in the footsteps of grandfather James Stevenson, who impressed at the Greenfield outfit before switching to Swinton.

Proud mum Julie said: “This represents the next step for both lads.

“They are chasing a dream and now it is a case of making the right sort of impression at their respective clubs.

“For the time being Joe is on under-18s duty at St Helens, but they are also testing him in the under-20s to see how he copes.

“James is in the under-20s at Wigan, who spotted him in Saddleworth’s first team.

“They still have lives outside of rugby — James attends the University of Staffordshire and Joe is training to be a lifeguard — but this sport is their passion.

“The next year or two will be huge for them, but they are not daunted, in fact they love what they do.”