Published at 11:08, Thursday, 17 March 2011

EX-WHITEHAVEN skipper Leroy Joe has returned to the game at 36 to play for Wath Brow Hornets in the amateur sport’s top tier.

hornet: Leroy Joe

The Kiwi is one of an elite group to score over 100 tries for Haven, but Brow coach Ian Rooney warned there was no stress on him to perform for the Hornets.

“He will be fantastic just to have around the club,” said Rooney. “We just want him here, and to have his influence at training. There’s no pressure on him. He has taken a couple of sessions with our kids and is a lovely fella.”

Joe produced a sparkling debut for the Hornets, starring at scrum-half in their 28-16 weekend win over visitors Leigh Miners.

“He had a hand in our first four tries,” added Rooney, who revealed that Joe was no stranger to the Brow squad.

“He lives at Cleator Moor and used to train with us in Whitehaven’s off-season.”

Joe joined Haven in 1997, at 22, from North Queensland Cowboys, and apart from one season at Hull KR, after he was forced to leave for import quota reasons, he spent the rest of his pro career at the Recre.

He retired at the end of last term and at that time ruled out a switch to the amateur ranks.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk