Former Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls man Brett Ferres has been awarded a testimonial year by the RFL, it has been confirmed.
Ferres is currently plying his trade in the Championship with Goole Vikings and at the age of 39, he skippers the side, with the forward being an ever present in the league for the East Yorkshire club this year.
This is Ferres’ 22nd season as a professional rugby league player, having made his debut for Bradford as a teenager back in 2005. He made 39 appearances for the Bulls as a player before moving on to spend time with Wakefield Trinity, Castleford Tigers, Huddersfield Giants, Leeds, Featherstone Rovers, Doncaster and eventually Goole.
He won a Super League Grand Final with the Rhinos back in 2017, while he was part of the Bradford side that won the World Club Challenge in 2006. He was also a member of the Huddersfield team that won the League Leaders’ Shield in 2013.
Indeed, Ferres has enjoyed a remarkable career and when his 16 appearances for England are taken into account, his appearance tally surpasses 450 games.
The Yorkshireman will be given the opportunity to celebrate his career with a testimonial year, which Goole will be at the very heart of.
“I am really proud to have been awarded a testimonial from the RFL and would like to thank the club for supporting the application, as well as representing the other former clubs I have played for,” Ferres said on the honour.
“I have been fortunate to have had a long and memorable career and played for some fantastic clubs with some brilliant team mates.
“Playing my 450th career game last year helped me reflect on the career I have had and now this gives me a great opportunity to share in that with my family and team mates at the back end of my career.
“I am grateful for everything this sport has given me, it’s provided moments and memories that I will cherish for a lifetime and had the opportunity to work alongside some fantastic people – not just players but the coaches, the staff behind the scenes and the supporters.
“Hopefully we’ll get to enjoy a good year together and I’m looking forward to it.”
Vikings director James Clark added: “Brett’s testimonial is richly deserved and a reflection of the outstanding career he has had in the game.
“To play over 450 matches at the level he has, represent his country, and achieve what he has across multiple clubs is a testament not just to his ability, but his professionalism and character.
“We’re incredibly proud to have him as our captain and to support him during this special year. He’s been a huge influence on and off the field for us, and this recognition is thoroughly deserved.”
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