Full-back Fletcher Rooney, who marked his inaugural appearance for the first team against Leeds Rhinos in 2023, has secured his maiden professional contract, transitioning from the academy level with aspirations of significant progress next year. Expressing his excitement, Rooney stated, “I’ve been working towards it since scholarship,” emphasizing the importance of this achievement for himself and his family. Eager to continue his development, he looks forward to learning from more seasoned players and aims to establish his presence in the coming years.
Rooney, having progressed through the junior ranks within the Tigers, fondly recalled his Super League debut last season, particularly highlighting the significance of playing against Leeds. Tigers’ head of rugby operations, Danny Wilson, applauded Rooney’s commitment to the club for an additional two years, attributing the success to the youngster’s hard work and dedication evident in his training sessions.
Wilson emphasized the club’s direction and its commitment to nurturing young talent, citing the importance of a carefully managed development process. Recognizing the challenges of transitioning to the first team, Wilson outlined a hybrid program for Rooney, balancing his involvement in training sessions based on his developmental needs. The club envisions Rooney as a key player in the first team in the upcoming season, showcasing a strategic approach to player development.
Wilson expressed optimism about the future, hoping to see more emerging talents like Rooney contributing to the team’s success. He highlighted the importance of establishing effective systems and nurturing talent within those systems, noting that Rooney is the first of many to emerge from the club’s strong and robust development framework. Overall, Wilson is pleased with Rooney’s commitment and sees it as a positive sign for the club’s continued success in developing homegrown talent.
