Wolves go for Goulding

Stand-off graduates through Wolves' scholarship programme

Last updated: 8th January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wolves go for Goulding

Goulding Snr: Came close to signing for Warrington

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Warrington are hoping Bobbie Goulding could prove to be a chip off the old block after signing the stand-off.

The 15-year-old, whose dad, namesake Bobbie, played for St Helens and Great Britain, has graduated through the Wolves' scholarship programme.

Goulding Jnr will now be part of the Super League side's academy team as he looks to follow his father with a career in rugby league.

"I always watched my dad play from as far back as I can remember so, as soon as I could, I signed up with my first club," he said.

"It was mainly my dad that got me involved in rugby and he pushes me to make sure I always push myself. He gives me some great advice that I always take on board."

Goulding Jnr has a hard act to follow after his dad enjoyed an impressive career that saw him play for Wigan, Leeds and Huddersfield, though he's best known for his stint with Saints that included a double-winning season in 1996.

Illustrious footsteps

Despite the stand-off following in such illustrious footsteps, Warrington director of youth development John Bastian does not believe the teenager will be under any extra pressure.

"I don't think Bobbie will have any added pressure having a father who achieved a lot in the game and was a champion player," he said.

"Bobbie is a lad who enjoys training and enjoys playing and doesn't look under pressure at all."

Goulding Snr admits he himself would have started his career at Warrington had he not signed for Wigan.

"I have been impressed with Warrington for a long, long time," said the former scrum-half who went on to coach Rochdale Hornets after hanging up his boots.

"Everyone always says if I hadn't signed for Wigan I would have gone to Widnes my home town club, but I wouldn't have, I would have come straight to Warrington."