A RISING star has been selected to play in a national under 16s team.

Joshua Blinkhorn, 16  from Ulverston has been selected to play for the Rugby League England Lions regional squad to play a France at the under-16 level. 

Joshua, who played for Dalton ARLFC under 16's signed to play for the Salford Red Devils in April alongside Sam Atkinson and Dan Knott.

In their time at Dalton ARLFC the lads were the 'backbone of the success' of the Dalton side, who went unbeaten in the league last season, winning the league in the North-West Counties League. 

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Joshua, is a skilful halfback, and has been playing rugby league since he was six, having played for Millom RLFC for most of this time, but moved to Ulverston last year to the benefit of Dalton.

Joshua is the only player selected from south Cumbria, his success is said to be a 'testament' to his hard work in training and hours of training in all weathers on his own.

Josh said he wants to thank Kevin OBrien Joshua’s coach at Dalton, for his advice and encouragement to keep on top of his game in what has been a difficult last couple of years with Covid restrictions for himself and his teammates at Dalton. 

England's Lions U16 will face the French side Ligue Sud Paca U16 at 11am on Sunday, June 26 at Wigan St Patricks ARLFC and on Saturday, July 2 at 11am at Ko Orrell St James ARLFC.