Leeds Rhinos vs Wigan Warriors

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FOX MAKES DREAM
INTERNATIONAL DEBUT FOR
IRELAND WOLFHOUNDS
49 | RHINOS VS WIGAN WARRIORS
International recognition is an achievement
for a player at any stage of their career
and last weekend saw one of the rising
stars coming through the Rhinos youth
system get the chance to represent
his country in a historic match.
Elliott Fox, who signed his first professional
contract with the club last month, started
and scored for Ireland in their firstever
Under-16s match against England
Community Lions at Wigan’s Golborne
Parkside. The former Stanningley player
helped Brendan Sheridan’s side into a 12-4
lead with his first-half try but the Ireland
side needed a late fightback to snatch
an 18-18 draw away from the Lions.
Speaking about playing his part in the
stalemate, Fox said: “It was a proud
moment for me to represent my heritage.
My grandad is Irish so representing him
and my family was something that I’ve
always wanted to do. The Irish are very
proud of who they are and what they stand
for so being able to pull on the shirt and
sing the anthem was emotional. It was a
day and game that I will always cherish.
“England Community Lions were really tough
opponents. They wanted to out-strengthen
us in the game and they had some tough
lads in the team. I think we just had a bit
more in the end, but were unable to get the
result. There was definitely enough for us to
be satisfied with our performance though.”
Coach Sheridan gave his side a boost when
members of last year’s Ireland World Cup
squad sent messages of support for the
players, including Leeds star Richie Myler
and Sydney Roosters Grand Final winner
Luke Keary. Fox said that getting the
support was great for the next generation
of potential Wolfhounds and gave them
even more motivation for the Lions test.
“It’s good to see that players like that are
so involved in the team,” he said. “They’re
backing the squad even though the likes
of Luke Keary are over in Australia. It
gives us young boys an extra urge to go
and play better and play for the shirt.
“Brendan was a great coach to learn
under too. He let us do our own thing
as he’s one of those coaches who was
more about getting you up for the
game and sticking to the basics.”
As the Academy season came to a close
earlier this week for the Rhinos, Fox is aiming
to put his experience into practice as has
he sets his eyes on making an impact in
2024.. “After having a few induction weeks,
I’m really looking forward to getting stuck
in with the boys,” he said. “I always want
to better myself as a player, so I will push
myself to be the best nine and one of the
best players in the team. I’ll try and be
enthusiastic and honest too so hopefully
I can make an impact in 2024.”.Y