There are more than ever now.

I remember when Andy Mason was an oddity because he was an accountant and not a pit man.

I know as full timers player don't usual have a career yet but many are now well qualified to pursue one when they finish.

Even some who don't get qualification are often quite bright, Paul Cooke is a great example of that - flawed but very bright.

Andy is a clever lad studied a degree in Newcastle, played a fair bit with him at rep level as a student. To be honest I was always shocked when he signed for Hull KR as he was never the best player but was certainly the most committed.

It's a credit to him that and his work ethic that he has made a career or rugby and I am sure given his work ethic he will go on to do well whatever career path he follows.

Another clever bugger is Jon Wells with a law degree or something of a similar ilk.

He was student player of the year and player of each tour he went on ( Russia and NZ) of course he was a great player. A book came out recently calling him the best student player to come into the professional game?

I don't understand your shock at Andy signing for Hull KR. He signed from Sheffield Eagles where he was outstanding, and was voted players player, fans player and coaches player of the season, as well as being in the division Dream Team.
He clearly has more than a great work ethic, although I would agree he has that in spades.

It was a rather reserved, backhanded compliment wasn't it?

I think he means pro player rather than student player

To me if didn't read like that, anyway the point still stands he was in the league two dream team 2 years on the bounce before he went to HKR. Hardly someone who wasn't a good player, just committed.

Agreed, it does sound that way.

It certainly was not intended as a back handed compliment. He has had a very good career and deserved to get where he has in the game.

To elaborate when I played with or against him he was always a good player, as a half back when playing I appreciated him much more than I did before I played with him as his work ethic was fantastic. He was always wanting the ball to take a drive and willing to make the tackle over and over again.

Other players were line breakers and try scorers Andy’s game was based around his work ethic rather than his skills offload etc. Whilst he was not the most naturally talented player his commitment both on and off the field and willingness to make sacrifices in that University environment away from rugby ie missing nights out and the like to ensure he remained at the top of his game even as a student stood him apart from others, who were potentially more naturally talented but did not commit to things like he did.

I was shocked to see him sign with Hull as whilst he was clearly a good player I didn’t think he had the game to take it to the next level in the pro ranks, and then for him to make the step up again to SL which he has done well was a surprise to me. He has throughout his career played to his strengths and that has served him very well.
It was not intended as a back handed compliment at all. I had the pleasure of playing with Mike Tindall for over a decade and I would say the same about him.

Having been involved in youth development I actually have more respect for players like Raliegh I have regularly seen players with all the talent in the world but who are not willing to go the extra mile to make it as a pro.

www.examiner.co.uk/sport/rugby-l ... dy-7541973? Was considering one more season but wrist reconstruction surgery not worked.....

www.examiner.co.uk/sport/rugby-l ... dy-7541973? Was considering one more season but wrist reconstruction surgery not worked.....

Been a great servant to both our clubs and the sport in general, am i right in thinking he's won the players player of the year award at every club he's been at ??

Don't think you will find a Fartown fan with a bad word to say about him, cracking player for us and will get an excellent reception off the Giants fans...all the best Andy and enjoy your retirement !!!!

Think he should lead the players out on sunday.

Due to his testimonial match being called off because of the pitch, I think Sunday's raffle or part of it is for him so don't forget for you and your mates to dig deep thanks in anticipation Dazza