Will Wallis this week’s Hull FC Academy Player in Focus as we profile some of the Black & Whites’ future stars throughout pre-season, in association with academy partners G&J Staffing.
Wallis has already had a taste of Challenge Cup action – he represented local side Beverley in the early rounds of the competition last year.
Following his time in the NRL, Wallis idolises John Bateman, who plays in his position.
With hopes to follow in Bateman’s footsteps, Wallis is looking to build a resume of consistent performances.
Tell us about how you got picked up for the Hull FC Academy.
I was playing at West Hull U15/16s before I got picked up by the Scholarship side. I actually originally turned down my Academy contract so I could concentrate on my college work – I was studying Business, Law & Accounting at Wyke College.
But I continued playing at Beverley in the NCL in 2019, before getting picked up once again.
What have you been doing in terms of training whilst the Academy hasn’t been able to train?
We have been given a home programme which involves a lot of stuff with resistance bands. I’m lucky enough to have some weights at home too in the garage so I can get a few extras in as well. It is a hard time to be a player but you just have to get on with it.
How do you think you fared during life in the Academy?
As a team, we started the 2020 season really well. We have the potential to do well once we’re able to play again. In terms of me personally, I feel like I was playing some of the best rugby so far in my career. It was nice to get a couple of tries under my belt too.
You’ve also made the step-up to the Reserves in 2020 – how did you find that?
I played two games for the Reserves and that helped get me a bit more experience under my belt. From playing men’s rugby in 2019, I was already suited to playing at that step up but it is definitely a lot more intense when you get to that level.
Where would you like to be in two years time?
In two years time, ideally I would love to have a first-team contract. Obviously we don’t know when academy rugby is going to come back but that means that them performances when we get back are even more important because we’re going to have less time to show what we’re about as players this season.
Will Wallis is proudly sponsored by The Tiger Inn, Beverley.
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