Hunslet swoop to sign Gibson from Thornhill

Gibson is the son of former Great Britain international Carl and previously signed for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in 2010 before returning to his roots joining the Trojans in 2013.

The 26-year-old won the National Conference League player of the year award in 2015 and was the leading points scorer across all the NCL divisions.

Hunslet director of rugby Darren Williams said: “Joel is a half-back who can also play at full-back, he picked up the NCL player of the year for Division Three in 2015 and was also the leading points scorer in the whole of the NCL racking up 307 points from 32 tries and 89 goals and was instrumental in the Thornhill club gaining promotion.

“He suffered a knee injury and missed the major of the 2016 season but he’s now fully fit and chomping at the bit and relishing the challenge and the opportunity of returning to the professional game.”

Gibson is excited about the prospect of getting another chance in the professional game and added: “I’m really pleased that I have signed at Hunslet, it’s a great club with big ambitions and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season and hopefully helping the club achieve the goals set out for the season ahead.”

Another product of the successful Thornhill amateur club, Danny Brough, is set to become Scotland’s most capped player during the Four Nations.

Brough landed two goals as Scotland suffered a 54-12 defeat to Australia on their Four Nations debut last Friday and the Bravehearts are now gearing up for a shot at England at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena on Saturday.

The 33-year-old made his debut for Scotland 12 years ago and is set to become their most-capped player during the competition.

Brough said: “I still enjoy my rugby. Time has gone by. It could have been England, could have been Scotland, but I’ve been Scotland since 2004 and that’s something I’m really proud of.

“Even more so when you see likes of Lachlan Coote coming over and Lewis Tierney coming from Wigan.

“It shows people do care about us and want to play for Scotland. I like to see it grow. I’m real proud of what the boys are doing; working hard and having a laugh on the pitch. It’s all about enjoyment and we’re doing that.”

Brough is hoping Scotland can produce a performance to be proud of against England and their final Four Nations match against New Zealand.

He added: “It’s exciting times. I just hope we can stand up for 80 minutes and have a go at the big teams.

“It’s a challenge for us to try and compete - we know that - and we’re under no illusions about how hard they’ll be. We’ve got to go out with a smile on our faces and ultimately we have to go out, enjoy it and try and cause an upset along the way.”