It’s a strange feeling this week for Hunslet Foundation’s General Manager Mikey Nuttall as he launches recently appointed Development Officer Aidan Robinson on his new career.

For it’s only seven or eight years ago that Nuttall himself was the new recruit – and who was the man in charge at that time, who successfully passed on knowledge that has helped Mikey maintain the Foundation’s reputation as one of the best in the land? None other than Darrell Robinson, Aidan’s father.

Says Mikey: “You wouldn’t make it up, but it’s a nice feeling to have the son of the man who did so much to nurture me in my early days under my wing. I aim to give Aidan exactly the kind of wholehearted support and excellent advice that his dad gave me, and I’m sure he’ll do a superb job.”

Aidan, who gravitated through his father’s club Beeston Broncos – becoming the first of the south Leeds outfit’s youngsters to earn a scholarship when he joined Castleford Tigers – had his playing career ended prematurely through a back injury. He will now turn his attention to further spreading the Rugby League gospel, through the successful Hunslet Foundation, in schools and clubs in the south Leeds area. The 19-year-old said: “Rugby is my passion and has been since I was seven years old. It’s everything I know and a big reason I love it is because of my dad. Hunslet Rugby Foundation is one of the few to help teams in south Leeds so to be able to be a part of that is a great feeling.

“My career ended short but hopefully I can pass on some knowledge to up and coming rugby players.”