Ryan Rogers, Recs BARLA International Half-Back, is to follow in the footsteps of Jamie Smith by spending a season plying his trade in Australian semi-pro leagues.

Rogers, a Recs player since the age of 6, is to join up with another ex-Pilkingtons player and friend, Ryan McPaul, at the Nyngan Tigers.

The Tigers, who are based in central New South Wales, some 350 miles North West of Sydney, compete in the NSW Group 11 competition.

Ryan spoke about the opportunity: "I was told by my employer that the role I do was not going to be there in the New Year and I was to be made redundant. I remembered Jamie putting his details on to the Footy Central website so uploaded my Rugby CV. The Tigers contacted me through there and after speaking with Ryan McPaul they made me an offer I couldn't refuse. It's going to be hard leaving Pilks after 20 years but I am looking forward to the challenge and will be back in 12 months, hopefully a better player, to help push the team to promotion from Division 1 where I am sure they will be competing"

Ryan ,who leaves on the 8th Feb, will be sent off in style after the Aberdeen game on 1st Feb.