Glasgow teenager Chad McGlame joins Super League Hull

The 19-year-old half-back comes from Dennistoun and has been playing for Easterhouse Panthers in the Scottish Co-operative Rugby League Conference. He only took up the sport during his second year at Smithycroft Secondary School but, after two weeks on trial with Richard Agar's side, he was offered a one-year deal at the KC Stadium.

Mark Senter, the Easterhouse Panthers Head Coach, hailed the move as inspirational for rugby league players and supporters in Scotland, and praised the support of various bodies in helping the sport get off the ground.

He said: "The club are delighted with the progress Chad has made. Having only picked up a rugby ball at the age of 14, it just shows what can be achieved with some hard work and desire.

"Chad is a true inspiration to the young people in the east end of Glasgow and a great role model for others to follow. I'd like to thank Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life and Sportscotland for their support and investment in the code."

McGlame has progressed through the Scotland Rugby League pathway, appearing with the U16 Youth World Cup team in Moscow, the Scotland U18 European Shield squad in Prague in 2008 and Scotland 'A' against France in 2010. After finishing 12th two years ago Hull leapt to sixth spot in last season's Super League, finishing 12 points behind champions Wigan, and have just appointed Australian star Craig Fitzgibbon as their new captain. McGlame has joined Hull FC's elite training squad in preparation for the 2011 season, which kicks off competitively on 13 February with a derby against Hull KR at the Millennium Stadium.

Glasgow councillor Frank Docherty added: "The Easterhouse Panthers club are a real part of the Glasgow East End community. They work tirelessly to promote rugby league in the area and I am really pleased to see Chad's progress."