2. First rugby memory is probably at Under 10s getting kitted up in my pads that were far too big for me (I still wear the same set now, I just about fill them now) and some green and black Gilbert gloves, help with my passing as I was a 9 back then. I remember thinking I must look like a pro, in reality it was more like all the gear no idea! No change there....

3. One of my role models is our very own DOR Chris Hyndman. I was coming through into senior rugby when Chris was having some bad injury troubles with his knee. He was working at the college at the time so I could see first hand how hard he was working to get back fit again, from cycling miles in the rain to generally just punishing himself in the gym, the man redefined the word graft. He also taught me to dance all night no matter how sweaty you are, high work rate is key in every situation! A true legend on and off the pitch.

4. I can’t recall my first ever session at the club but I do remember my first game of touch with the seniors. I remember calling Ste Hutch “butcher” when he dropped a ball, he snapped back at me obviously not happy some kid was being smart. But in all honesty I thought that was name because everyone was calling him it, he obviously dropped a lot of balls! Nothing changes, I’m still a smart arse and ste still can’t catch...

5. I really struggle to eat anything before and after rugby. I get really nervous before the game and my stomach is knots, I usually substitute food with 4/5 cups of coffee. Not the best nutritional advice but need to get the energy from somewhere. After match diet is also liquid based...

6. My perfect weekend would probably start with a nice meal out with the Mrs on a Friday night (Brownie Points). Followed by a rugby filled Saturday, use the Blaydon game as a template, big away win, bus trip, stop off, boys on top form. Then a quiet Sunday hopefully hangover free, maybe even spanking Luke Wilson round a golf course.

7. My career highlight is probably a toss up between my North 16 2009/10 Cameo and winning MVT (most valuable tourist) in Düsseldorf earlier this year. Either way I’m fairly sure I’ve peaked, it’s all downhill from here

8. One tip to succeed, tough one that. I would say put the effort in with people off the pitch, the better you get on with people off the pitch the better you will play with them on it. Rugby like life is all about relationships and that takes a conscious effort . In summary, put the hard yards in at the bar as well as on the pitch.

9. I wouldn’t say I have a personal goal, I just want to enjoy my rugby with the lads and hopefully remain as injury free as possible for the rest of my career. As a team we want to go as far as we can whilst maintaining our values, I want to play my part to the best of my ability to see that happen.

We wish Elliot and the boys all the luck for Saturday against Alnwick.

#OSIOS