London Skolars are delighted to announce the re-signing of exciting pivot Michael Bishay and his older brother and winger Chris Bishay for the 2016 season. Bishay, who in 2014 winter off season left London Bronco’s for pastures new in Queensland, Australia with the Norths Devil’s decided to return home early and played with the Skolars from April 2015. Bishay has become a critical player in the Skolars First team driving our attack in the back half of the year and testing opposition full backs and wingers with his exquisite kicking game.
Mikey, aged 22, was born and raised in Staines, where he played his junior rugby league at the West London Sharks, from there he joined London Broncos (then known as Harlequins RL) where he excelled, appearing for the England RL side at junior level. He was promoted to the first team and made his debut for the club in June 2013 in a 30 all thrilling comeback draw against Castleford Tigers, he went on to make around 20 more appearances for the Super league side, scoring 2 tries.
He will be familiar to many of the London Skolars faithful, playing a host of times for the club, most notably at hooker in our Northern Rail Bowl Finalist side, where he impressed with his trademark leadership abilities, good distribution and strong kicking game, as demonstrated by the 40/20 he kicked.
Chris re-signs after a confident first season in Rugby League with the Skolars last year. He came to the Skolars with a wealth of Rugby Union experience with English rugby giants Wasps. A 7’s specialist, he made 2 appearances in the First XV scoring 2 tries in his first 2 starts against Harlequins and London Irish. He made his first foray into Rugby League on the wing away against York but showed his versatility and ball skills to move between full-back and then centre where required throughout the season. A strong runner with great handling skills, Chris has a natural rugby understanding and made some great reads in defense throughout the season. With an extensive pre-season behind him there is no doubt that Chris has the skills and rugby nous, to push on this season and nail down a regular starting spot.
