THE wing star from William Beamont School's outstanding Rugby League team of 1996 has been signed up by St. Helens.

Chris Ross was part of the side that claimed an unique triple in the North West Counties Trophy, the Warrington Schools' Cup and the English Schools' Cup before capping a remarkable 12 months with the Warrington Sports Personality Team of the Year award.

The Orford teenager played for Bewsey Bulls after leaving school and caught the eye of a Saints' scout last year.

The scout attended a game between Bewsey and Pilkingtons to watch another winger, already signed up by the club, who was marking Ross.

But it was the Bewsey player that made an impression as he shrugged off his marker and went on to score four tries!

Ross has been training at Saints since the autumn and his hard work led to a two year contract which the 18-year-old signed on Friday.

He will now join the Alliance team that includes his former Beamont teammate John Braddish, who signed up with Saints from Crosfields last year.

Ross said: "I've got to know the lads well at Saints and I've been mates with John since school so I enjoy it. It can be hard finding the energy for training after working all day but they motivate you well.

"This is an exciting opportunity for me. I'll have a year in the Academy before I get too old and then I've got to break into the Alliance side."

Ross, who has scored 16 tries in 10 games for Bewsey this season, is set to make his debut for the Academy side at Widnes on March 21.

Chris Ross

Dad Kevin is delighted for his son - but admits he would rather he was playing at Wilderspool.

He added: "I suppose he'll want me to support Saints now!"

Brave Eagle

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