Aston Stephenson made his first-team debut in the third round of the Challenge Cup last weekend. Although the afternoon ended with defeat, there were positives to take. One of those was the progression of Stephenson through Skolars’ Junior ranks to the semi-professional first-team. Aston is one of many who have now made their professional debuts this season, as the club focuses on providing playing opportunities to local talent.

General Manager, Charlie de Haan, sat down with Aston to reflect on his journey to date.

When did your journey with Skolars start?

I joined the club at the age of fifteen and played for the under 16s.

What are some of your favorite playing memories?

Aside from my first-team debut in the Challenge Cup, it was winning the treble with the U19s when I was only seventeen years of age (pictured above with former Community Coach, Matt Cuss).

I believe you have also been involved off the field. What roles have you held?

I was an apprentice Coach and went it lots of local schools to deliver Rugby League sessions. I also hope to help Coach the Reserves this season and help bring through more talented players to the first-team.

Have you set yourselves any goals for this season?

I want to become an eighty minute player for the first-team and fully establish myself as an important player under Joe Mbu’s tutelage. There is lots of hard work ahead!

Aston has been sponsored by season ticket holder, Paul Rolfe. Aston and the rest of the first-team squad will next be in action on Friday 18th March when they compete in the club’s Capital Challenge. Further details on the rearranged event will be published in the coming days.