Work doesn't stop for Batley Bulldogs ahead of trip to Leeds Rhinos
While Leeds Rhinos' players put their feet up ahead of Friday's game at Headingley Carnegie, opponents Batley Bulldogs were out at work.
Batley’s part-timers include prop-forward Adam Gledhill who will go head to head with the likes of former Australia Test forward Keith Galloway on Friday night, after completing a full shift in his day job as a multichannel analyst for Yorkshire-based supermarket chain Asda.
Gledhill, who joined Batley in 2013, has worked at Britannia House, Morley, for the last three years, supporting Asda’s contact centre for Home Shopping and George.com, providing training and support for colleagues.
The 23-year-old, who previously had a spell in Australia with Gold Coast Titans, admitted facing Rhinos in the First Utility Qualifiers is a dream come true.
“I can’t honestly believe it,” he said. “Lining up against a historic team is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity – it still hasn’t quite sunk in.
“We are looking to upset the odds and shock the rugby league world, but whether we win or lose, it will be an experience I never forget.”
Gledhill’s involvement in tonight’s game has caused divided loyalties among his work colleagues, many of whom are Rhinos fans.
He added: “It’s great to have so many well-wishers here at work, especially when so many follow the Rhinos.
“If we win, they won’t hear the end of it when I get back to the day job!”
Gledhill’s Asda manager Colette Rossington said: “Adam is a great bloke and we’re all cheering him on on Friday and hoping they can pull off an upset, even the Rhinos’ fans. Good luck Adam!”