RUGBY LEAGUE: Ipswich Rhinos Rugby League Conference squad is one of the youngest in the league.The opportunity they are giving to young players to experience rugby league has resulted in a Conference young player of the year nomination, and two of their youngest players gaining representative honours for London and the South.

RUGBY LEAGUE

Ipswich Rhinos Rugby League Conference squad is one of the youngest in the league.

The opportunity they are giving to young players to experience rugby league has resulted in a Conference young player of the year nomination, and two of their youngest players gaining representative honours for London and the South.

Brendan Cook, the Rhinos young player of the year for the past two seasons, was one of five players nominated for the Conference young player of the year award.

The final presentation was at the Conference annual meeting on the day of the Super League final at Old Trafford, and although Brendan did not did not win the overall title he did get the opportunity to meet Adrian Morley of the Sydney Roosters and GB Lions and was a guest of the Conference at the Super League final.

On the Sunday Adam Cook and Joel Barrett were included in the London and South squad which travelled to Leeds to play the North of England. When their opportunity came both players acquitted themselves well.

With the GB selectors watching Barrett had few opportunities to show what he is capable of, but when the ball did reach his wing he showed he had the strength and pace to match any of the other wingers on display.

Cook settled quickly into the role of hooker and scored two second half tries.

The second on the stroke of full time, when converted, tied the match at 28-28 Cook and Barrett also play rugby union for Colchester RFC Colts and Colchester Sixth Form College.