Wakefield Trinity are delighted to snap up 16-year-old local youngster Wesley Bruines on a contract until the end of 2021.

Bruines, who is an outside-back, is a Shaw Cross youngster and was spotted when playing for the Category 3 Wakefield College team, run by Head of Youth Mark Applegarth.

Speaking on the deal, Bruines said: “I am delighted to sign for Wakefield Trinity on a professional deal. It has been a dream of mine to play professional rugby and now I have that chance I want to take it with both hands and put my best foot forward to earn a full time contract. I can’t wait to get started.”

Head of Youth Mark Applegarth added: “We first got eyes on Wez when he joined Wakefield College in September. He caught our eye with some fine displays for the college team and when representing Yorkshire U17. He also represented England Community Lions against the Country Rugby League team from Australia. He’s a fantastic kid who is hardworking, honest and wants to improve every day. We are all looking forward to seeing him develop in the academy over the next couple of years under the guidance of his coaches.

Hopefully it shows that not getting a scholarship isn’t the end of a player’s chance of signing into professional rugby league. Rugby League is a late development sport and we are always looking for talent to give opportunities to.”