Hunslet bring AJ on board

Hunslet have boosted their squad for Betfred League One by signing outside-back Anthony Boardman on a one-year deal.
AJ Boardman scored for Hunslet against Bradford BBulls. Picture by Paul Johnson.AJ Boardman scored for Hunslet against Bradford BBulls. Picture by Paul Johnson.
AJ Boardman scored for Hunslet against Bradford BBulls. Picture by Paul Johnson.

Boardman, known as AJ, impressed as a trialist in pre-season victories over Bradford Bulls and Batley Bulldogs.

He previously played for Dewsbury Moor Maroons in the National Conference League after switching sports from mountain biking.

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Boardman’s said: “I stopped playing rugby when I was 16 and turned to mountain biking, which went well.

“I reached a good level – elite level in fact – and appeared internationally in a couple of world cups, but I never lost my passion for rugby league and returned to the sport in 2011, at the age of 21 or so.

“I thought, when I reached 30, why not give professional rugby league a go? So I got in touch with GT [Hunslet coach Gary Thornton] who I knew from his days at Dewsbury Moor.

“He was happy to give me trials, training went well and so did the friendly games with Bradford Bulls and Batley Bulldogs.

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“GT, who I can’t speak too highly off, has been really supportive and has given me some great tips.

"He has confirmed that there’s a place for me at Hunslet and I’ve been happy to put pen to paper."

Boardman added: “I already knew some of the lads here, such as Danny Rowse and Zach Johnson.

"In fact I’d played as a junior at Shaw Cross alongside Danny from under-14s to under-16s. It’s good renewing acquaintance with him and hopefully we’re proof that it’s never too late to turn pro'.

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“My aim now is to play as much as I can, play to the best of my ability, keep on improving and see how far I can go.”

Of what he will offer on the field, he said: “I’m probably best known as a centre, but I’ll play anywhere for the team, from full-back right through to loose-forward if required.

“I’ve got a good engine, I like to get stuck in, and I won’t back off when the going gets tough.

“I’m a strong runner and I can defend well and I see myself as an all-round team player who will back up the lads next to me.”

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Thornton believes the form Boardman and Danny Rowse, signed from Hunslet Club Parkside, have shown in pre-season highlights the depth of talent at community clubs..

“It’s really pleasing when you get someone coming in and looking for an opportunity to prove themselves and that’s exactly what AJ has done," he said.

“He has worked really hard in the pre-season, showed up well in training and the warm up games and has earned his opportunity to play at a higher level.

“There is some talent in the amateur game and the way AJ and Danny Rowse have adapted is proof of that. He has slotted into our group really well and has quickly become a popular member due to his hard work in training and committed efforts on the field.

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“He is an honest and hard-working lad and realises he still has a lot to learn, but his willingness and eagerness to be better and improve himself means he will be a valuable asset for us in both wing and centre positions.”