DANNY WASHBROOK

Let's start with Danny Washbrook the player. Tell us about your junior days and why you played Rugby League ?
[iI started playing at 7 years old. My friends from further down my street played for a team called Humbe Social Club. They were only a small club, just had 2 teams. Managed to score a try in my first game and loved it from then on. We merged with Skirlaugh at Under 12s and then at u16s I moved to Embassy and played there for 2 years.[/i
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You started off at Hull FC. What were your memories of your first stint at Hull ?
[iThe main memory would probably be playing in the GF in 2006. It was my first full season in the team, I played 20 games in total that season, and only 12 months earlier in 2005 I'd played in the u21s GF and here I was playing at Old Trafford only 12 months later.[/i
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A move to Wakefield in 2012, how did that move come about and what attracted you to Wakefield ?
[iRich Agar had announced he was leaving Hull FC at the end of the 2011 season and Hull had offered me a 2 year contract. But Rich rang me and told me he was taking the Wakefield job and that he'd like me to go. I spoke with an ex team mate of mine, Gareth Raynor and he basically said if you stay at Hull there's every chance you'll be in the same position 2 years down the line, playing 20 games a season, not first choice. Whereas at Wakefield it would be a fresh start and potential to be first choice. And it turned out to be great advice.[/i
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Can you remember your debut at Wakefield and how did the game go ?
[iWe played Widnes on their brand new 'ipitch'. They were keen as mustard as they'd just been promoted and they started like a house on fire but we managed to get the win. It was absolutely freezing, and the pitch actually felt frozen![/i
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We made the playoffs in your first year in 2012 before losing to eventual winners Leeds. What were your memories of that season ?
[iI have lots of memories from that season, we finished the season winning 7 games in a row to make the play offs which was a really good run. But I remember Gary Schofield saying if we made the play offs he'd run around Belle Vue naked. And fair play to him. He turned up on mad Monday in just a dressing gown, took it off, did a lap of the field and then joined us for a beer![/i
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A few years later and you were involved in the Million Pound game against Bradford !! How did that game go for you and relief of survival (again) for Wakefield ?
[iAt the time, I'd already agreed to sign back at Hull, so as much as the result didn't matter in terms of the following year for me, I felt that I owed my team mates, the fans and the club to make sure I gave everything I had to get the win. And I'd like to think I did. And winning it was such a great way to finish my time at Wakefield by securing their survival. Even got a try![/i
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The Super League journey was never far from easy for Wakefield though. Can you give us some other highs and lows of your time at Trinity ?
[iSome of the highs would be making the play offs in 2012, we played Leeds on a Monday night in a charity kit and beat them, that was another high, a couple of good wins over Cas, one in the first game of 2015, I managed to score the winner.
We had some lows, particularly going on a long losing streak in 2015 I think it was, and a performance against Cas at Magic weekend in Newcastle.[/i
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We interviewed Dean Collis recently and he mentioned he has kept in touch with you. Was there anyone in particular who you bonded with with during your time at Wakefield and what about keeping in touch with your ex-teammates now ?
[iI stay in touch with a fair few of my Wakey team mates, Kirmo, Richie Mathers, Dean Collis, Jacob Miller, Paul Aiton, Scruts, Hally, Motu...probably more too ha![/i
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You left to re-join Hull FC again and had a bit of success there with two Challenge Cup wins and a couple of close runs in the play offs. What can you share with us about those years including the opportunity to play and win at Wembley ?
[i2016 and 17 were probably the 2 best years of my career. I was playing well, playing regularly and contributing to what was a really good couple of seasons for Hull FC. Winning at Wembley in 2016 was a dream come true, and broke Hulls hoodoo at Wembley. So to go back in 2017 and win it again was unreal.[/i
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341 games and 35 tries in your career. Do you have a favourite try you scored for Wakefield and you can also give us your best from Hull as well ?
[iMy favourite try for Wakefield was probably one from a kick against Leeds. Tim Smith looked up and I pointed to the line and his kick was perfect and I somehow managed to beat Ben Jones Bishop to the ball and get my hand on it.
For Hull it was probably the first ever try I scored for the club against Salford in 2006. I side stepped a couple of people from about 40m out and then beat the full back for speed to the line...not sure where that speed went haha[/i.
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And what about Danny Washbrook now, career wise after rugby ? What do you do and what keeps you busy?
[iI have 2 sons who are into football so they keep me pretty busy! Ferrying them around all over, particularly my youngest as I help coach that team. Work wise I have a job with a recruitment firm in Hull called Novum Personnel. I've been there since Feb 2020 and I'm really enjoying it.[/i
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Let’s finish with a chance to reflect on the players you played with in your career. Give us your dream team 1-13 of players that you played with from all the teams that you have been involved with ?
[iThis is going to be a tough one!!
FB - Jamie Shaul
Wingers - Ben Cockayne, Tuli Talanoa
Centres - Kirk Yeaman, Dean Collis
Stand off - Rich Horne
Scrum Half - Tim Smith
Props - Mark O'Meley, Scott Taylor
Hooker - Danny Houghton
Second Row - Danny Kirmond, Sika Manu
Loose forward - Gareth Ellis[/i
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And from that team, who would captain it and why ?
[iGaz Ellis would be captain, absolutely unreal player and leader. Brought the best out of everyone else when he played.[/i
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And to end with, anything you would like to add to the Wakefield fans out there that will read this ?
[iJust like to say a massive thanks for all the support over the 4 years I was there and for turning out in good numbers for mine and Kirmos testimonial game in 2019. Times are tough at the moment for the club but things can only get better, keep turning up and keep believing!
Kind Regards

Danny Washbrook[/i

Graham Law

Let's start with Graham Law the player. Tell us about your junior days and why you played Rugby League ?
[iI started out at Eastmoor RLFC in the U9s, stayed there until the U15s, the team folded due to low numbers so then I moved onto Westgate Redoubt. Was always good mates and played with Stu Dickens and his dad had helped start the first youth team there. That was a great 2 years of rugby for us, stayed there until I signed for Wakefield on my 16th Birthday.[/i
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How did the involvement / move to Wakefield come about ?
[iSimilar to nowadays really apart from no scholarships, scouts start following from around the U15s and just keep in touch, invite you down to ground for a tour etc, Wakefield was always my club so was only ever going to be 1 option for me. It was a dream come true for me to sign for my local team.[/i
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Can you remember your Wakefield 1st team debut, who it was against and how it went ?
[iYes, remember it very clearly, it was Mitch Brennans last game in charge, against Featherstone at home. I was 17 and still playing academy rugby so it was a real shock to get the call up. I remember the speed of the game was a massive shock, lungs were on fire and legs were like jelly haha, absolutely loved it though and we won which was amazing.[/i
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You played during some of the best times as a Wakefield fan, especially the Grand Final against Fev. What were your memories of that season and the promotion to Super League ?
[iThat really 98 was an amazing year, the team spirit was like something I never witnessed again, you just kind of knew something special was going to happen and obviously it did. Unfortunately I didn't play in the grand final, that was Martin my older brother, he played right centre that night.
The next couple of years were also pretty special for me, making my Super League debut against all the big names like Andy Farrell and Jason Robinson etc was a bit surreal, we had it tough back then also as I'm sure you are aware, we had big money issues and going into receivership made things hard but looking back probably brought the players closer together. We were written off a couple of times and tipped for relegation but we always managed to claw our way out of whatever hole we were in. I do think Wakefield are pretty special when it comes to this.[/i
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Your Wikipedia page says, "Centre, Stand-Off, Second Row, Loose Forward". Was there any position in the team that you didn't ever cover !! And from those positions, did you have a favourite that you would say you performed better at ?
[iI once covered at hooker too, away at Widnes in the challenge cup game back in 2002 I think it was. Hated every minute of it haha. I loved it in the back row if I'm honest but always struggled to cement a place there.[/i
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Andy Kelly, John Harbin, Peter Roe & Shane Mcnally all coached at Wakefield during your time. Can you share any experiences you had with those coaches ?
[iAndy is always going to be a bit special as he was there throughout most of my time at Wakefield, him and Paul Harkin were the coaches when I signed in July 1995, he then took over coaching after Mitch left so he had a massive impact on all my early first team games. He was the one who had confidence in me looking back as an 18/19 year old to play first team rugby so lots of fond memories there. He was great at bringing the team together and getting us to bond.
John Harbin was also great, his passion for young hard working lads was a real eye opener to me. Suppose looking at his track record bringing youngsters through it speaks volumes. His discipline was immense, if you tried shirking in any way you were definitely in Johns bad books haha putting it politely. It didn't matter who you were or how good you thought you were if you didn't turn up training early and put 110% you knew about it.[/i
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7 Tries and 42 goals for Wakefield Trinity. Any tries or even conversions that stood out for you ?
[iI would probably say my first SL try, away at Gateshead Thunder in 1999, I think it was only my 3rd ever SL game and was given the kicking duties that night too and converted my own try, I was only 19 so that was pretty special.[/i
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We recently saw the debut of your son Joe against Leeds Rhinos. How much of an influence have you had on his career and how did it feel to see him make his 1st team debut ?
[iYes, that was pretty amazing seeing Joe out there. That made me very proud, he's worked really hard for it and dreamed about it since he was 8 when I first took him to play. Much like myself he has supported Wakey all his life so spent lots of time on the terracing watching.
As far as influencing him goes all I've done is support him throughout and drive him to training lots and lots of times. I did coach him for a couple of years up until he was 11 but then stopped. His biggest influences have been all his coaches up at Oulton Raiders and then the Wakefield youth set up who've been great for the last 4 years through Jamie Field etc in Scholarship and Mash and team in the Academy.[/i
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The same Sunday also saw you and others take part in a sponsored walk for MNDA. Can you share how that went, why it was setup and if there is anything else planned in the future ?
[iYeah the walk was great and did really well for the charities. It all started recently when me and Mart were asked to join the past players committee team alongside Lee Robinson, Gaz Spencer and Stu Dickens, we are trying really hard at creating a place for all players past and present so they know when their career ends there not alone. I for one and know lots of other rugby lads feel a bit abandoned when they retire. I'm really enjoying this. The walk was just planned to try to promote some positivity around the place and bring as many of the lads together as we could, were trying to arrange more events including past & present players and all the fans. I really think this is the start of something a bit special down at Wakey and lots to look forward to.[/i
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How has your career panned out post rugby league ?
[iI now run St Johns Health & Fitness alongside Mart, its a small gym in Wakefield. I also help out coaching local team Oulton Raiders U15s who my middle son Tommy plays for, also help from time to time down at the Scholarship at Wakefield. I love being involved and seeing the next generation of players coming through the ranks. I had the pleasure of coaching Oli Pratt and Harvey Smith in Scholars. Super talented those two guys but many more are coming through too. Exciting times ahead.[/i
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Let’s finish with a chance to reflect on the players you played with in your career. Give us your dream team 1-13 of players that you played with ?
[iOoh this is a tough one…… but here goes…..This has to be a mixture of championship and SL as some of the boys i played with pre “99 but would have been amazing in SL too.
Steve Prescott
Neil Law
Justin Brooker
Gaz Ellis
Josh Bostock
Garen Casey
Brad Davies
Franny Stevenson
Roy Southernwood
Gary Lord
Andy Fisher
Gary Price
Willie Poching[/i
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And from that team, who would captain it and why ?
[iRoy Southernwood all day long. Total leader who everyone respected. Top bloke.[/i
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And to end with, anything you would like to add to the Wakefield fans out there ?
[iFrom a fellow fan who was just lucky enough to pull our amazing jersey on and play in front of you all you really are the best fans going, the support you give home and away is more important than you realise. Every player I have ever played alongside loves the noise you create and we all wear that badge with pride. Please keep it up. Lastly, let's really get behind Mash and boys this year. I have been involved in the game for some years now and have never come across anyone so hard working and more loyal to our club than him. Trust me, he's a coach for the future. I really hope he gets a chance to prove himself going forward.
Thanks for the chance to share these bits with you, I could go on all day about our club but kept it as short as possible for you.
Cheers
Gray[/i

Damien Blanch

Let's start with Damien Blanch the player. Tell us about your junior days and why you played Rugby League ?
[iI started playing footy when I was 14. My mum never let me play growing up! Played in the Penrith competition, and made my first rep/development squad when I was 16 – which was coached by Mick Potter. From there, I played SG Ball (U18’s), then U20’s then reserve grade for Penrith. I played a few trial games for First grade, but never actually got an official NRL game. Dave Woods was a coach in one of these teams, and offered me a start at Castleford in 2005 which is when I first moved to the UK.[/i
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You started off with Castleford and Widnes before a move to Wakefield. How did the move to Wakefield come about ?
[iI had a phone call from John Kear about 2 weeks out from the Super league promotion Grand Final when I was playing for Widnes against Castleford. He offered me a deal to sign for Wakefield, pending it was signed before the Grand Final was played. It was a hard choice to make as I was happy at Widnes, but Super League was my goal and it was guaranteed – but Widnes making it to Super League wasn’t. I agreed to Wakefield’s deal and was stoked to have my future secured. Ultimately it was the correct decision, as not only did we lose the Grand Final, Widnes announced the were going into administration before we even got on the bus following the loss.[/i
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Can you remember your Wakefield 1st team debut, who it was against and how it went ?
[iI had a delayed start with Wakefield, as I tore my Labrum in my shoulder during a trial game against Featherstone and required surgery with a 3 month recovery. So I didn’t make my debut until later against Harlequins at home. I started off the bench as our current wingers (I believe it was Luke George and Paul Reilly) were playing really well. But all in all the shoulder went well and we won the game.[/i
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Let's look at 2008 and mainly the Challenge Cup Semi Final in that year. What were your memories of that season and you grabbed a couple of tries in the Semi Final as well as we looked to come back from a terrible start. How did that game go for you as well ?
[iThat game was one of the highlights (and saddest!) of my career. We started the game terribly being 18-0 down after 10mins. Trying to claw your way back in a semi final (regardless of the opposition) is extremely difficult, but especially against Hull FC who were a top side that year. I was lucky enough to score a couple that game, and was millimetres from a 3rd that was eventually disallowed – I’m still dirty about this one to this day!! We were a great, well gelled side at that point in the season, and did really well to get ourselves back into the game, but inevitably we just gave them too much of a head start. Great memories of that week though, that even a heartbreaking loss can't take away.[/i
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What were your highs and lows during the remainder of your time with Wakefield ?
[iAs I said, that challenge cup game was up there. We had some great Derby games, Magic weekends & trips away to Catalans which I really do look back on as some of the best times in my career. I had my fair share of injuries at Wakefield though, the worst tearing my ACL in 2009 which was by far the lowest point of my time at Wakefield – and my Career.[/i
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You were clearly making a name for yourself with your try scoring exploits and a move to Catalans happened in 2011. How did those years go in the French sunshine ?
[iI was nervous about moving to France. In reality after coming back from my knee surgery I was actually looking to move back to Sydney in 2010 following the season. I had a call from Trent Robinson who had been signed as the 2011 Catalan coach. Trent said he was putting together a team with a heap of new players and wanted me to be a part of it. It really was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t turn down – and to this day have never regretted it. I had a really good experience in France with the culture & rugby in general. Not to say it was any better than my time in Wakefield/Widnes/Castleford, but just completely different and enjoyable.[/i
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You also represented Ireland in the 2008 & 2013 World Cups. How did those tournaments go for you and for Ireland ?
[iBoth the 2008 & 2013 World Cups were fantastic. I always enjoyed being in camp, and these kind of occasions always brought the best out of my Rugby. We had great mentors (if you could call them that!) in Barry McDermott & Terry O’Connor who really got behind the teams. 08’ was probably a more successful tournament as we progressed to the ¼ finals when we were not expected to progress from the pool stages against Tonga and Samoa. 2013 was special to play against England in front of a full house in Huddersfield, and against Australia in Limerick – which was my last ever professional game. Once again, great memories.[/i
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Wikipedia says 178 appearances and 114 tries in your career over here in the UK (& France). Can you give us your top 3 tries that you have scored in your career ?
[iMy most memorably 3 would have been:
Against Huddersfield at ‘The Shay’ when I dived for the corner playing for Catalan.
The above mentioned try I scored from a kick from Broughy in the Challenge Cup
I got an intercept in a final against Leeds at home for Catalan on the half time buzzer. We had worked on this all week so it was great to pull this off after recognising it through videos.[/i
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And what about Damian Blanch now, career wise after rugby ? What do you do and what keeps you busy ?
[iI live in Wollongong on the south coast of Sydney, beautiful place. I have 3 Kids who keep my hair from growing back. My eldest son Jesse is 14 and playing his first year of Rugby this year which I am a trainer for and really enjoy watching him. My 2 younger girls both play soccer. I'm a Project manager for a Tower Crane/Construction company in Sydney which I really enjoy. My wife and I miss travelling but try to see as much as we can between kids and work.[/i
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Let’s finish with a chance to reflect on the players you played with in your career. Give us your dream team 1-13 of players that you played with ?
[iMatty Blaymire
Paul Reilly
Tony Martin
Steve Menzies
Aaron Murphy
Scott Grix
Scott Dureau
Adam Watene
Brad Drew
Danny Nutley
Louis Anderson
Ben Roarty
Lopini Paea[/i
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And from that team, who would captain it and why ?
[iProbably Grixy. Smart footy head, and knew when to work and on and off the field![/i
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And to end with, anything you would like to add to the Wakefield fans out there ?
[iWakefield was the club that backed me as a fringe Super League player and gave me a chance which I am forever grateful for. I loved everything about the club from the fans, office staff, sponsors (who I still speak to this day) right through to Bathy who helped me get my apprenticeship as a groundsman on the Bellevue Pitch & Mrs B who made us the best lunches every Friday.
Cheers
Damien ![/i

Would love a Ray Price one.

...keep an eye out for the podcasts

Looking forward to it, such a legend in my eyes, toughest player bar none.