Simon (23), whose parents, brother and grandparents still live in Thorne, made his first team debut in March against Harlequins and has maintained his back row position ever since.

He told the Gazette this week: "I started playing for the Thornensians when I was five and was in the under 8s squad for three years before moving up the age groups.

"I got a scholarship to Woodhouse Grove - a private rugby school in Leeds - and then went to uni."

Simon started playing for what was then the Leeds Tykes teams and in March 2007 got the opportunity to switch codes from union to league, taking just one year to achieve his dream of first team rugby.

"I have managed my first goal and now just really want to maintain that," he said. "There are a lot of internationals in our team so you have to work hard to keep your spot."

He explained why he preferred playing league: "It's just so quick, and it suits how I play rugby. Union tended to be a bit slow."

When he is not playing, Simon coaches the Leeds University rugby union first team: "That takes up most of my spare time," he added.

The former King Edward Primary School pupil still pops back from Leeds, where he now has his own house, to his parents' Queen Street home. And he is taking part in a presentation ceremony with fellow player Ian Kirk at Moorends Marauders this weekend.

Leeds Rhinos take on Wakefield this Friday night at Headlingley.