Callum Marriott and Paul Brearley selected for English Lions rugby tour of Fiji

Photo: Aidy Gleeson

Paul Brearley and Callum Marriott

Callum Marriott and Paul Brearley, of Mayfield Rugby Club, have been selected for the open-age English Lions rugby tour of Fiji starting on 7 November.

Ian Kershaw, of Mayfield Rugby Club, said: “This is the highest honour in the community rugby league game, so they and the club are excited at the prospect. Mayfield have had a long and productive relationship with Fijian players, so the lads should feel right at home.

“Callum has been a star performer for Mayfield in this successful season. He is a tough player with a fearsome tackle and usually plays for the full eighty minutes, which is testament to his fitness.

“Paul stands out as he has a first class defensive game, but can be mercurial with the ball in hand.”

To assist them in their games abroad, Mayfield’s Setgreki Tala has been giving the duo a weekly lesson in the Fijian language, citing this as “the hardest job he’s ever had”.

Brearley has been playing rugby since he joined Mayfield Mustangs as a child, going on to play for Warrington before returning to Mayfield.

Marriott, 23, also began his career playing for Mayfield. His late father, Karl Marriott, played rugby for Rochdale Hornets, before he died suddenly after a training match in 1998.

The players have been fund raising at Mayfield as they are required to pay the costs of the trip themselves.

To contribute, contact either Ian Kershaw on 07922 517135 or chairman Simon Howe on 07920 865106.