Published at 11:38, Tuesday, 21 April 2009

RACING AWAY: Ryan Shaw in action for England Under-16s against France and (inset) England and Barrow Island team-mate Brad Singleton

BARROW Island boys Ryan Shaw and Brad Singleton proved their worth on the national stage as they turned out for England Schools Under-16s over Easter.

The pair played in two games against France – both of them victories – and each found himself on the scoresheet.

Shaw – who has been signed up by Super League Warrington Wolves to bring through their youth system – scored two tries in the opening 38-16 win.

Leeds Rhinos recruit Singleton then crossed the whitewash in the second match as England won that one 50-28.

Both Singleton and Shaw will join up with their Super League clubs when they finish their GCSEs and were given a taste of the big time as played the first match at Bradford Bulls’ Odsal Stadium.

Shaw will be joining the Warrington academy and will be hopeful of one day plying his trade in the Wolves first team like fellow Barrovian Ben Harrison.

Singleton will be leaving home and living in Leeds as he joins up with the Leeds Rhinos academy setup where he will gain a BTEC in sport.

Barrow Island junior coach and father of Ryan, Neil Shaw, thinks it will be fantastic for the Barrow Island pair.

“Playing for your country is quite an achievement,” he said. “They trained really hard.”

There was a mass exodus as more than 100 friends and family who travelled to Bradford in support, with the second game played at Wigan Warriors School of Excellence.

Ade Singleton, father of Brad, is proud of what his son has achieved.

“To get this far means he’s one of the best props in the country,” he said. “It was be a very proud moment when he ran out on the pitch.”

Shaw shares the sentiment.

“It’s very pleasing to watch the players grow form youngsters and now representing their country!” he said.

Warrington and Leeds have allowed the players to train with Barrow Raiders while they are at home then they will join up with their Super League academies after their exams.

As Singleton said: “It’s just the start of their international careers.”

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