News

Cornwall RLFC have signed Royal Air Force rugby league star Nick Slaney for the upcoming 2023 season. 

The 29-year-old, who is comfortable playing at either full-back or on the wing, caught the attention of the Choughs before and during the Royal Air Force’s Inter-Services campaign last Autumn.

Slaney played a pivotal role by scoring a try in the RAF’s 32-4 victory over their Army counterparts in a game that took place at the AJ Bell Stadium, home of Super League outfit Salford. The match also acted as a curtain raiser for England’s World Cup warm-up clash against Fiji.

Hailing from Plymouth, Slaney spent most of his career playing rugby union until he was advised by a work colleague with a 13-man code background that his skill set would be better suited to league.

That career-defining conversation took place only 18 months ago with Slaney now moving into the professional ranks with Cornwall.

He explained: “I played union most of my life but I was away and I got talking to someone who I was working with who said I should try playing rugby league.

“I told him how I was an explosive player who liked making big tackles and breaking lines. As a back, rugby union doesn’t allow you to do that as much but league very much does. 

“I took that advice and once I started playing, I think the phrase is like a duck taking to water. I really enjoy playing league and now I have been really bitten by the bug.

“Playing in League 1 will be a step up from Inter-Services games and I know that but I am relishing the challenge as there is a huge amount of potential for Cornwall to succeed.

“Cornwall is a hot-bed for rugby and there are certainly players out there like me who are more suited to league but play union. 

“Over the long-term, the club will be looking to harness that talent but in the here and now, I can’t wait to get started.”

Meanwhile, Cornwall RLFC general manager John Beach, added: “Nick was a player who has been on our radar for quite some time. We were made aware of his potential last year and then after seeing his performances in the Inter-Services matches, we made our move and we are delighted to have him on board.”