ALL rugby players entertain schoolboy dreams of making it as a professional in their beloved sport but not many have the opportunity to achieve them. At just 18-years-old, Joe Knowles is showing the Macclesfield public he might just have what it takes.
Fresh from finishing his studies at Lymm High School, the flying winger is keen to build on his already impressive start to senior rugby. Having scored tries in his opening two appearances, Knowles looks to have made the transition a successful one. "It's pretty tough but I've trained hard and I'm loving every second of playing for Macc," said Warrington-born Knowles ahead of Saturday's trip to struggling Cleckheaton.
The talented teenager joined the Blues after spending six months at the Warrington Wolves rugby league academy.
"It was a really good experience for me but I never got the opportunity to make an impression," he explained. "Players who had been there for ages were always getting the nod ahead of me.
"It was frustrating as I believe I was good enough, but its behind me now and I'm looking forward to a career in union."
In Macc, Knowles has met a club which match his lofty ambitions. He added: "After seeing how well Macc did last year, I wanted to join. We've got a really good young squad and, after beating Bradford, we can, hopefully, get up the league and challenge for honours."
The former North of England Colt is on a gap year at present, but is adamant his future lies with the oval ball. He said: "I've learned more in the last few months playing with lads at Macc than I have done over the past seven years. I'm still young but I think I stand as good a chance as anyone else to make it."
- MACCLESFIELD Lions will entertain Birkenhead Park seconds in the Halbro Cup third round on February 4.
