Young centre Jude Ferreira says he has achieved his dream by becoming a member of the Hull FC first-team squad, but explains there is a lot of hard work ahead if he is to progress in the sport.
The former West Hull junior, who already has international honours having played for the England Academy side in recent years, has been rewarded with his first professional contract for the new season and takes the number 26 jersey.
A boyhood Black & White fan, the 19-year old described his excitement for the challenge ahead in learning from his peers, and explained the intensity of pre-season so far.
Speaking to hullfc.com in an interview sent to our 2021 members first, he said: “In comparison to what I have done in the past with the academy, it has been a huge step up.
“From the time I spent with the first-team last year, I knew that pre-season was going to be hard work – the change in intensity has been massive, but I have actually quite enjoyed it. It has shown me what I need to work out and pushed me out of my comfort zone a little bit.
“I feel like I’ve settled in well, and actually feel like one of the team now rather than just an academy player. All of the lads have welcomed me in really well and helped me in all aspects of training, and pushed me all the way.”
Ferreira finds himself training with the likes of some of Super League’s top centres in Carlos Tuimavave and Josh Griffin, and explained that working with the pair is already seeing him reap the rewards.
“I’m loving learning from Carlos and Josh – they’re both proven stars with lots of experience in the game.
“I’m fortunate to be in lots of the same training groups as them, particularly Carlos. He is pushing me along every day and letting me know that I can always go to him for help and advice.”
On earning his first squad number, he added: “My family are over the moon for me. It has been a dream of mine to play for this club since I was three years old. To finally achieve that after all the hard work I have put in is amazing and I’m over the moon to have my squad number.
“When I get the chance to perform, I want to go out there and show what I can do, and try and make a name for myself in the game – not just be a one-time wonder or anything like that.
Seeing the likes of Jack Brown, Connor Wynne, and Ben McNamara all come through and play regular first-team rugby gives me great confidence that I can do the same. I am really close with all of them lads and seeing what they have done in such a small amount of time is encouraging knowing that I am on the same path as them.
“We’re all playing for the team we supported as kids, and representing our home city, and that makes it a little bit more special. So to have your name on the back of that shirt is a really proud moment.”
Jude Ferreira is proudly sponsored by G&J Staffing.
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