Future is bright for Saint Danny

WHERE THE SHIRT WITH PRIDE... Danny Yates captained England under-16s against Wales and is in the under-18s squad to face France next month.

RUGBY: WATERHEAD is where St Helens legend Paul Sculthorpe started his rugby league education — and the club might now have unearthed another star of the future for the Super League giants.

Danny Yates (16) has signed a youth contract with Saints and has made terrific progression at the club’s academy and junior international level.

He has already captained England under-16s and has now been called up for the under-18s Test against France in Perpignan on June 3.

Danny’s dad, Andy, said: “All his family are really proud of him. Seeing him lead the side out against Wales in March was a fantastic moment.

“St Helens were always his heroes and Paul Sculthorpe in particular, obviously with him being an Oldham lad himself and representing Waterhead.

“He’s doing really well, and we are hoping he fulfils his dream and is offered a professional contract soon.

“Danny is thankful to all those at Waterhead who helped him on his way.”

He started at Waterhead as a seven-year-old and progressed through to the under-16s under coaches Paul Whitehead and Mick Slicker.

Slicker said: “He’s been absolutely outstanding. There’s no reason why he can’t go all the way.

“He was always willing to learn, and had great skills, even before I started to work with him at under-15s.

“To me he’s up there with the best players I’ve worked with. He’s going to be a fantastic player.”

Danny, who plays scrum-half, is also hoping to gain a place on the three-week tour of Australia in October with his club.

Mike Rush, head of performance at St Helens, said: “He’s a very good player for his age, and he’s doing everything right and expected of a future Super League player.

“He’s got a lot of hard work in front of him, but he's a lovely kid and his family make a fantastic effort to support him.”