LOCAL rugby league player, Harry Williams has expressed his delight after returning to his boyhood club, West Bowling.

The 24-year-old took his first steps into semi-professional rugby back in October, when he joined his former coach, Dean Muir at Betfred League One outfit, Hunslet RLFC.

And after starting every available fixture for the Leeds side in the third tier of rugby league this season, Williams took it upon himself to terminate his contract after the trip to Midlands Hurricanes on April 14.

Speaking to the T&A, the talented half-back revealed that the move never really materialised into something he wanted.

He said: “I just stopped enjoying it, so I asked for the release from the club.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, not a quick one, but I had been feeling that way for a few weeks.

“We’d win a game, and it just didn’t have the same emotion attached to it.

“It’s a shame it didn’t work out, but that’s just how I felt.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Harry Williams in Hunslet colours after signing for the Betfred Division One outfit in October Harry Williams in Hunslet colours after signing for the Betfred Division One outfit in October (Image: Hunslet)

Williams has returned to West Bowling, the club he’s shared many great years with, and he admitted that it means a great deal to him to be back.

He said: “My first game back for the club was against York Acorn (28-22 win on April 26) and it was a brilliant feeling to be back playing with my mates and the club that I’ve spent so many years with.

“That win, as soon as the game had finished, it confirmed to me that I’d definitely made the right choice. I was so happy.

“People at home, people at work and my friends; they all said that I seemed happier and more positive about rugby and everything in general. So, I’m pleased with my decision.”

In 2023, West Bowling and Williams confirmed promotion back to the top-flight of the National Conference League for the first time in 20 years.

However, this season’s return wasn’t going swimmingly; that was until the return of Williams.

They’d lost their opening six league fixtures, however, victories over York and Kells have seen West Bowling to two consecutive victories in their last two game weeks.

And Williams admitted that their early-season struggles may have played a part in him wanting to make a return, subconsciously.

He said: “I was still going to watch West Bowling’s games when I was at Hunslet because all my friends play for them, and it always feels like home.

“Of course, travelling to Hunslet three or four times a week was something that I didn’t particularly enjoy, but I think I was more bothered about missing out on playing with my friends.

“Watching them, it felt like I should have been playing and helping, particularly when they were going through that tricky spell.

“There was sometimes an element of guilt where I thought I should have been out there giving my best for the team.”

He added: “I’m back now and I’m very happy with my decision.

"I’m hoping we can have a strong season and continue in this current vein of form, starting this weekend at Hunslet (ARLFC).”

Kick off gets underway in Leeds at 2:30 pm.