James Barker will again be the First Team Captain which is extremely deserved. This follows a successful year last season where he led our first team to two semi-finals and the highest league position in over 20 years. James has the respect of all his piers mainly due to his actions rather than words. An absolute workhorse who plays well above his weight, James leads from the front and never takes a backwards step.

Tom Wilson has been appointed Vice Captain of the first team this year. Again Tom was a major addition to our squad last year and was instrumental in the success we had. Big and strong Tom handed out some huge hits last season and the image of him sticking up for his big brother Eddie at Skirlaugh is something that sticks in the mind showing the team’s togetherness. We will also be looking at Tom’s attacking skill to score points this year and he will be an able replacement for James Barker whenever he’s unavailable.

Andy Barker completes our leadership team as Club Captain for 2017. A former Milford junior who has been a great servant to the club. Also a former first team captain as well as experience of working in professional sport environments as the head physio of Leeds Rhinos. His leadership will be invaluable to the whole squad and especially the younger players who will be able to see how Andy plays and carries himself as a leader within our club. Loves a Benidorm trip too!

Players to watch

There is a feel of a changing of the guard this season with our open age squad. There is always going to be players coming and players going from season to season but when the players who have left have given the service they have then we go into the unknown in some ways. James Coates has deservedly hung up his boots following his millionth season, Adam Kelly has returned (reluctantly) to Australia taking the ever dependable Joe Ramsden with him (Playing for Southport Tigers) and Dwaine Mcrae has taken an opportunity in the pro game with Oxford. We wish all these players the very best whether in retirement or pursuing new playing opportunities and they are welcome back anytime.

It does however give our current group of players an opportunity to make their own mark on the team this season. Here are a few new/returning/current players which our supporters need to look out for in 2017:-

We are pleased to welcome Regan Cooper to the Milford from Australian team Casino. Regan is a hooker who comes with experience playing in first grade and has made an immediate impression on his fellow players. His first hit out against Siddal in the challenge cup he played with lots of energy and enthusiasm around the ruck which was great to see considering he’d only arrived here a couple of days before. I’m sure the 4G will suit Regan’s style of play and we will be looking to him to ensure we are going forward to provide a platform for our attack to work from.

Chris Bowler is a student international prop forward who comes from Sheffield but has settled in Leeds following his studies. Chris trained with us last year but was recovering from a bad leg break so didn’t get the chance to play. Having been given the all clear from his medical team he has trained really well in the off season and we are all looking forward to see him challenge for a place in the first team.

Sam Morton returns to the club following his travels in Australia playing for Southport Tigers. A former Milford junior we will be looking to Sam to apply what he has learned on his travels and add his considerable frame to our forward pack in 2017. He certainly did this in his stints from the bench against Siddal which, with some more game time under his belt, Sam could really be a major addition to our playing squad in 2017.

Gareth Fairhead has made his intentions clear that he wants a place in the first team this year with his presence in preseason training. Another former Milford junior Gareth played a handful of games with our 2nd team last season. Has experience playing student RL and semi-pro with Oxford so will be looking to impress in the preseason fixtures and is a welcome addition to our backs options in 2017.

MaCauley Baron is entering his 2nd full season in open age RL which I’m sure he will benefit from. Had a lot of responsibility put on his shoulders early in 2016 which he responded to well. Still earning his stripes Macca needs to continue earning the respect from his piers with some mature performances leading the team around the park. A very skilful player with a turn of speed I have challenged him to attack the line more which was evident in our game against Siddal in which he was our stand out player. Big things expected this year.

Milfords pre-season friendly is at Archie Gordon 2pm v East Leeds. Your support will be most welcome as the team look to build on last seasons successes.

Gavin Brown
February 2017