How early rejection proved turning point for Wakefield Trinity star Danny Brough

By Dave Craven
Published 10th Jan 2020, 16:51 BST
Updated 11th Jan 2020, 11:42 BST
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AS he prepares for his testimonial with almost 500 professional games under his belt, Wakefield Trinity’s Danny Brough has recalled the moment he thought his career was over before it had even begun.

Ironically, it was as a teenager at Belle Vue where he heard the dreaded news every aspiring player fears: the scrum-half was no longer wanted.

Brough had been in Trinity’s academy and reserves system but was released without ever having made his senior debut.

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The former Man of Steel, who faces visiting Hull KR tomorrow, said: “I was really disheartened.

Wakefield's Danny Brough, in action against St Helens in June last year. Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeWakefield's Danny Brough, in action against St Helens in June last year. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Wakefield's Danny Brough, in action against St Helens in June last year. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

“I went back and played one game at Thornhill Trojans, my amateur club in Dewsbury where I’d started playing rugby.

“But then I got signed by Dewsbury Rams. It was all a bit surreal there being a first-team squad rather than just an apprentice.

“At 18, trying to do that, it was quite tough with some senior players there.

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“It was a challenge but a really exciting time to show I could be a first-team player.”

Danny Brough, pictured at his Testimonial Shirt launch. Picture courtesy of Dean Williams.Danny Brough, pictured at his Testimonial Shirt launch. Picture courtesy of Dean Williams.
Danny Brough, pictured at his Testimonial Shirt launch. Picture courtesy of Dean Williams.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Brough played for the National League One side before dropping down to York City Knights where he really shone and earned his first move into Super League