Professionals...

Ashton Bears proudly produce players of the top quality, some of whom go on to play professional Rugby League for Super League clubs, and one of whom is an international Rugby Union player. 

The professional players of the Ashton production line are:

• Chris Melling - Harlequins (Previously at Wigan Warriors)

Chris played his first international game for Great Britain in the test against France on June 22nd at Headlingley where Britiain ran out 42-14 winners.

Chris signed for Harlequins RL from Wigan Warriors in September 2006. A junior product of the Ashton and Hindley junior clubs, Chris toured Australia and New Zealand with England Under 16's in 2001.

Back to full fitness in 2006, Chris found first team opportunities limited, but having moved to the hooking role in Wigan's academy, he impressed enough to be voted U'21 Academy 'Player of the Year' for 2006.

Versatile enough to play at hooker, at full-back and on the wing, Chris will be a fine addition to the Harlequins RL squad for Super League XII. (see www.quins.co.uk for more information). Chris' brother Matty currently plays for Ashton Open Age and before Chris signed for Quins, he worked with Ashton as a physio.

• Dave Strettle - Harlequins and England Rugby Union

Dave Strettle made a fantastic try scoring debut for England Rugby Union against Ireland at Croke Park, and was also voted the Professional Rugby Player's Association Young Player of the Season for 2007. He also appeared in the Sky Sports dream team for the 2006-07 season. Dave plays club rugby for Harlequins.

• Steve Maden - Whitehaven (previously at Warrington Wolves, St. Helens and Leigh Centurions)

Steve was signed from Leigh at the start of 2006 after performing solidly for the Centurions in Super League. Steve is highly regarded as one of the fastest wingers in the National League following his time with Leigh, St Helens and Warrington. Upon his return to Whitehaven after his shoulder injury has cleared, no doubt he will live up to his reputation for Whitehaven this season.

Click here to view some information about Steve from his time at St Helens. (courtesy of www.saints.org.uk - Saints Heritage Society website)

• John Duffy - Whitehaven (previously at Leigh Centurions, Chorley Lynx, Salford City Reds and Warrington Wolves)

Super League’s youngest debutant until Scott Moore of St Helens took his mantle last season, Duffy is back in the big time after a five year absence.

A great defender for his size and a clever player, Duffy can catch defences flat footed over 15 metres and supports play well. He was Tommy Martyn’s regular halfback partner and came on in leaps and bounds last season, having a major influence on the Centurions super year. With good kicking ability and a varied passing game, John has been impressive in pre-season and could again be a big player for the Centurions in Super League.

(profile taken from www.leighrl.co.uk)

• Paul Ballard - Widnes Vikings (previously at Wigan Warriors)

Paul Ballard, brother the Andrew Ballard, was Wigan's Under 21's player of the year in 2004 and was top try scorer of the Wigan Academy. Ballard was snapped up by Frank Endacott after he failed to gain a contract renewal with Wigan Warriors and Endacott is expecting big things from Paul in the future.

• Andrew Ballard - Wigan Warriors

Andrew Ballard is currently playing for Wigan's Senior Academy (Under 21's) and has this year scored 13 tries in his 14 appearances kicking 60 goals alongside this, making him the top points scorer for the Wigan Senior Academy this season.

• Simon Svabic - Oldham Roughyeds (Previously at Salford City Reds and Leigh Centurions)

Simon Svabic began his career with the former Oldham Bears club Academy side, where is half back partner was Bradford's Paul Deacon. Since those days he has played Super League with Salford and also at the top in the National League with Leigh Centurions.

He signed for the Roughyeds to begin the 2003 campaign. His preffered poition is stand off, where he can demonstrate his silky smooth ball skills, but he is also at home in the full back position.

• Dwayne West - Retired (Previously at Wigan Warriors, St Helens, Hull FC)

Dwayne will always be remembered by St Helens fans as being an influential part of arguably the most famous try in Super League history. Indeed, Chris Joynt's try in the Qualifying Playoff at Knowsley Road vs. Bradford on 22/9/00, has come to be known as the 'Wide to West' try, named after the over-excited commentary of Sky's Eddie Hemmings! Unfortunately, Dwayne's promising career was blighted by injuries, which prompted his release from Wigan and St Helens. Ultimately his career was cut short by a persistent injury at the KC Stadium which forced him to retire. His place in history is secure, however, if only for this unbelievable footage! (courtesy of www.saints.org.uk)