One of Wakefield Trinity Ladies’ newest recruits, Millen Downs, is settling in well at the Be Well Support Stadium, after completing a move from Featherstone Rovers Ladies in the off-season.

After putting pen to paper at the back end of 2021, the young forward has enjoyed her time amongst a new-look Trinity for 2022.

With just two months before their Challenge Cup journey starts with a trip to Castleford in March, the side has recently stepped up their efforts, training two nights a week.

“I am settling in really well at the club, especially with the girls and the coach,” Downs told Trinity’s media department.

“Within the little time I have been here, I have never felt so welcomed and wanted by a bunch of girls.

“I feel like I have been here for years.”

Starting her Rugby League career at the young after of 15, Downs has spent much of her career in Featherstone, starting for the Lions before eventually joining Rovers.

“I started my Rugby League career at Featherstone Lions, playing for the Under-16s side,” she explained.

“After spending a full season with them, I moved over to the open age, which was scary for a young girl as I have not had a lot of game time.

“I was, basically, thrown into the metaphorical ‘deep’ end of the sport, playing some women twice my age.”

Following a few years within the open age set-up, plagued by injuries, Downs spent an unfortunate time on the treatment table, working to get back to full fitness following a persistent knee injury.

“Within that season, I had to take up to six weeks out, due to injury, and then returned after the summer season had finished.

“After spending some time with Featherstone Lions Ladies’ winter team, my knee started to get a lot worse and had to go see a physio, who further referred me to the doctors.

“After further consultation, it turned out I had broken my MCL, ACL, cartilage and fat pocket.

“This was operated on, and I started by rehab throughout the first Covid-19 lockdown.”

Back to full fitness and raring to go, Downs is keen to put her injuries behind her and start fresh at Wakefield, aiming for success in 2022.

“My personal aims and goals for the 2022 season are to get fitter, do my part on the field, and all-around believe in myself more.

“I expect to help the team by playing my part on the pitch, working hard in training and being a good teammate.”

Downs’ potential first game will be a clash with derby rivals Castleford Tigers in March.

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