I was lucky enough to get two "Getting To Know"s this week, in which I also got the chance to speak to Hull KR's Adam Walker, which is over on The18thManUK's site (http://the18thman.com/2014/05/15/getting-to-know-adam-walker/).
I also got a great opportunity to talk to Huddersfield and England international, Brett Ferres in which we discussed many different things!
Here's what we talked about-
I always like to start off by asking about the player's childhood. So, talk to me a little bit about rugby while growing up? Did any player(s) inspire you as a kid?
Funnily enough not really. I watched and supported Leeds as a kid and I remember watching Iestyn Harris and Adrian Morley, who I have been lucky enough to play with. My hero growing up was my dad and he never even played the game.
You started your career with the Bradford Bulls, if I'm right. How were you picked up by the Bulls and what was it like joining them?
I played at a club called Smawthorne Panthers in Castleford. I was on a scholarship at Castleford when i was 13/14 then the Bulls and their scout Eric Hawley came to watch a few of my games and offered me a scholarship at the Bulls.The offer was too good to turn down. The Bulls, at the time, were winning everything and had some great players and there academy were full time so I ended up signing there. I owe a lot to Eric Hawley, who got me there and looked after me.
Do you remember your RL career debut? How nervous were you to make your debut?
Yeah, it was Hull FC in 2005 and we won which was good. I only got 5 or 10 mins at the end. I remember just warming up all game and waiting and drinking water and having to go for a pee every 10 mins because I'd drunk that much because I really didn't know what to do with myself!
For Bradford, you made an appearance in the 2006 World Club Challenge against the NRL's Wests Tigers. Can you remember that game? What was it like playing against a team from a different competition?
I think the first thing everyone remembers about that game was the performance of Stuart Fielden. He was unbelievable for the full 80 mins. It was great for me because I really didn't expect to play and to play in such a big game like that so early in my career was fantastic.
You then moved to Castleford after a short time at Wakefield. What was your time like at Wakefield and Castleford?
My time at Wakefield wasn't the best. I signed there and was really looking forward to getting regular game time but instead I just got lots of injuries and it put a real damper on my time there. I then joined Cas, got fit and injury free and really started enjoying my rugby again. It was a great move for me. I loved playing in front of my hometown team and with a lot of my good mates.
In July 2012, you then signed on for your team now, the Huddersfield Giants. What was it like signing for such a big club?
It was great. I wanted to back myself and play at a big club and I want to win something. I wanted to put myself out of my comfort zone and really test myself and make myself a better player.
Last year, you, your team-mates and the club won the League Leaders Shield. Did this trophy mean a lot to you and the squad? What was it like to be rewarded after the successful season with a trophy?
It meant a lot as the club had not won something for a long time and as players you want to be winners so to get the league leaders shield was great, we were just disappointed we couldn't add to it.
Last year, not only did you win the League Leaders Shield, but you were named in the 2013 Super League Dream Team. Is it nice to be rewarded after a great season and be named in the Dream Team?
Yeah it was I really enjoyed the 2013 season and to cap it off with being named in the dream team was great and something I never expected
And to add onto this, you were called up by Steve McNamara to represent England in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup (what a fantastic year), do you remember the phone call? How did you feel when Steve asked you to play for your country?
I remember the phone call because it was a tough one. Steve told me he wanted me to go South Africa and train with the boys but I wasn't named in the 24 man squad, I was kinda the 25th man or reserve. But after we got back I played for the Knights, and then the next day I got a phone call saying that I had been put in the 24 man squad. So I was obviously delighted that all the hard work I'd put in had paid off.
You then featured in every game for England. How was it playing for England against other nations and what was the England camp like during the World Cup?
I'm very grateful to my time at England and I know how lucky I am to have played in all the games. The feeling every time you pull the England jersey on is something else. We had a great squad with lots of world class players and they were all great blokes so the time in camp flew by.
This part is going to bring back some memories, good and bad, but it's about the Semi-Final against New Zealand. As a fan, I loved every minute watching it and I was very proud of all the players, and I must admit it took some time to get over it. But how did yourself and the England squad cope with this last minute defeat? What was the changing rooms like after the match?
It was tough and still is. We were so close and I know I will never fully get over the opportunity that we missed.
The changing room was very quiet, there wasn't much anybody could have said that would have helped the feeling we all had.
Onto this season. It's been a bit of a roller coaster for the Giants this season, if I may say, who now sit 5th in the table. What do you make of the Giants' season so far this year?
This year has been a scratchy start for us. We probably played our best game on the opening night of the year vs Wigan. We have started winning those tight games which earlier we were losing and drawing. We have won a few games on the trot now so hopefully we keep on building and staying consistent in our performances and we will be fine.
You will make your return from suspension this weekend, and what a round to return in, making a return for the Magic Weekend! 1 stadium, 7 games and a great atmosphere, but what do you think about the Magic Weekend? Do you like the idea and like playing at the Etihad in front of a large crowd?
I think its a great concept and idea the RFL have come up with, its staged at a fantastic stadium which will hopefully be packed over the 2 days with 7 games of Rugby League; what more could you ask for?
What's the best stadium you've ever played at?
I'd have to say Wembley
If you weren't playing Rugby League as a career, what do you think you would be doing?
I have no idea. I always had my heart set on playing Rugby League.
Away from Rugby League, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Spend time with my family.
Do you remember signing your first autograph for a fan? Bet that must have been a funny feeling the first couple of times haha?
I still find it a bit weird now! It was always funny when you was a young lad in the squad because nobody ever knew who you were but they always asked you to sign their ball or shirt.
If you could say anything to the Huddersfield Giants fans, what would it be?
To the fans thank you for all your support so far. It really does make a massive difference for us as players. It's a long year and we're slowly building. With your support behind us we can achieve what we all want to achieve.
Now for some team questions, with a little bit of banter!
Who complains the most within the Giants squad?
Luke Robinson! He whinges and moans about everything and he's got small man issues.
Who has the worst music taste within the squad?
Its got to be our physio Dos. He takes control when we have prehab on a morning and it's usually shocking it's always some Irish sing along songs.
Who spends the longest on their hair?
Gotta be Ben Blackmore and Aaron Murphy, they spend a lot of time in the mirror sorting their fringes out!
The fans also got a chance to ask some questions. Here are the answers-
@DYSON2810 asked- what attracts players to join different clubs? It cannot all be about money.
There's lots of attractions, opportunity to play more regularly, to have fresh challenge, to test yourself, to win things.
@Paulctsc asked- Brett, Did you enjoy your time at the Cas Tigers and would you have stayed if Daryl Powell was the coach?
Yeah i really enjoyed my time at Cas and still go down regularly to watch them. Daryl has done a great job at the club but I thought it was the right time for me to move on and challenge myself.
@JBoucher17 asked- Brett, why did you leave Bradford?
I got a opportunity to leave and get regularly game time at Wakefield, which as a player, all you want to do his play as much as you can.
@gayrlfans asked- if you could poach any player from super league or NRL, who would you choose and why?
I think I'd go for Greg Inglis. The blokes massive, quick, skillful and just such a good all rounder.
@tonia_kate asked- how did you get into rugby league and how would you encourage others to get involved in this great sport?
I just watched some young kids playing and thought I wouldn't mind doing that and haven't looked back since. I'd get them along to training and try and make it as enjoyable and fun as possible
@BenParker79 asked- what's your thoughts on the latest influx of beards in the professional game?
I don't mind them, but I feel sorry for their wives and partners!
@lukey7s asked- Was it Brett me and my dad saw in H&M in the white rose on Monday haha?
Yeah, I think so. I was getting some new summer shorts, hopefully I get to wear them.
That's all for the questions. I really, really enjoyed getting to know Brett as he has had an extremely incredible career so far and there were so many things I could talk to him about. Good luck to Brett for the rest of the season and thanks for doing this in his spare time. Go give him a follow on Twitter and say thanks for doing the interview, @BrettFerres11.
Also, don't forget to follow me on Twitter, @RLLatest.
Thanks for reading!
I also got a great opportunity to talk to Huddersfield and England international, Brett Ferres in which we discussed many different things!
Here's what we talked about-
I always like to start off by asking about the player's childhood. So, talk to me a little bit about rugby while growing up? Did any player(s) inspire you as a kid?
Funnily enough not really. I watched and supported Leeds as a kid and I remember watching Iestyn Harris and Adrian Morley, who I have been lucky enough to play with. My hero growing up was my dad and he never even played the game.
You started your career with the Bradford Bulls, if I'm right. How were you picked up by the Bulls and what was it like joining them?
I played at a club called Smawthorne Panthers in Castleford. I was on a scholarship at Castleford when i was 13/14 then the Bulls and their scout Eric Hawley came to watch a few of my games and offered me a scholarship at the Bulls.The offer was too good to turn down. The Bulls, at the time, were winning everything and had some great players and there academy were full time so I ended up signing there. I owe a lot to Eric Hawley, who got me there and looked after me.
Do you remember your RL career debut? How nervous were you to make your debut?
Yeah, it was Hull FC in 2005 and we won which was good. I only got 5 or 10 mins at the end. I remember just warming up all game and waiting and drinking water and having to go for a pee every 10 mins because I'd drunk that much because I really didn't know what to do with myself!
For Bradford, you made an appearance in the 2006 World Club Challenge against the NRL's Wests Tigers. Can you remember that game? What was it like playing against a team from a different competition?
I think the first thing everyone remembers about that game was the performance of Stuart Fielden. He was unbelievable for the full 80 mins. It was great for me because I really didn't expect to play and to play in such a big game like that so early in my career was fantastic.
You then moved to Castleford after a short time at Wakefield. What was your time like at Wakefield and Castleford?
My time at Wakefield wasn't the best. I signed there and was really looking forward to getting regular game time but instead I just got lots of injuries and it put a real damper on my time there. I then joined Cas, got fit and injury free and really started enjoying my rugby again. It was a great move for me. I loved playing in front of my hometown team and with a lot of my good mates.
In July 2012, you then signed on for your team now, the Huddersfield Giants. What was it like signing for such a big club?
It was great. I wanted to back myself and play at a big club and I want to win something. I wanted to put myself out of my comfort zone and really test myself and make myself a better player.
Last year, you, your team-mates and the club won the League Leaders Shield. Did this trophy mean a lot to you and the squad? What was it like to be rewarded after the successful season with a trophy?
It meant a lot as the club had not won something for a long time and as players you want to be winners so to get the league leaders shield was great, we were just disappointed we couldn't add to it.
Last year, not only did you win the League Leaders Shield, but you were named in the 2013 Super League Dream Team. Is it nice to be rewarded after a great season and be named in the Dream Team?
Yeah it was I really enjoyed the 2013 season and to cap it off with being named in the dream team was great and something I never expected
And to add onto this, you were called up by Steve McNamara to represent England in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup (what a fantastic year), do you remember the phone call? How did you feel when Steve asked you to play for your country?
I remember the phone call because it was a tough one. Steve told me he wanted me to go South Africa and train with the boys but I wasn't named in the 24 man squad, I was kinda the 25th man or reserve. But after we got back I played for the Knights, and then the next day I got a phone call saying that I had been put in the 24 man squad. So I was obviously delighted that all the hard work I'd put in had paid off.
You then featured in every game for England. How was it playing for England against other nations and what was the England camp like during the World Cup?
I'm very grateful to my time at England and I know how lucky I am to have played in all the games. The feeling every time you pull the England jersey on is something else. We had a great squad with lots of world class players and they were all great blokes so the time in camp flew by.
This part is going to bring back some memories, good and bad, but it's about the Semi-Final against New Zealand. As a fan, I loved every minute watching it and I was very proud of all the players, and I must admit it took some time to get over it. But how did yourself and the England squad cope with this last minute defeat? What was the changing rooms like after the match?
It was tough and still is. We were so close and I know I will never fully get over the opportunity that we missed.
The changing room was very quiet, there wasn't much anybody could have said that would have helped the feeling we all had.
Onto this season. It's been a bit of a roller coaster for the Giants this season, if I may say, who now sit 5th in the table. What do you make of the Giants' season so far this year?
This year has been a scratchy start for us. We probably played our best game on the opening night of the year vs Wigan. We have started winning those tight games which earlier we were losing and drawing. We have won a few games on the trot now so hopefully we keep on building and staying consistent in our performances and we will be fine.
You will make your return from suspension this weekend, and what a round to return in, making a return for the Magic Weekend! 1 stadium, 7 games and a great atmosphere, but what do you think about the Magic Weekend? Do you like the idea and like playing at the Etihad in front of a large crowd?
I think its a great concept and idea the RFL have come up with, its staged at a fantastic stadium which will hopefully be packed over the 2 days with 7 games of Rugby League; what more could you ask for?
What's the best stadium you've ever played at?
I'd have to say Wembley
If you weren't playing Rugby League as a career, what do you think you would be doing?
I have no idea. I always had my heart set on playing Rugby League.
Away from Rugby League, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Spend time with my family.
Do you remember signing your first autograph for a fan? Bet that must have been a funny feeling the first couple of times haha?
I still find it a bit weird now! It was always funny when you was a young lad in the squad because nobody ever knew who you were but they always asked you to sign their ball or shirt.
If you could say anything to the Huddersfield Giants fans, what would it be?
To the fans thank you for all your support so far. It really does make a massive difference for us as players. It's a long year and we're slowly building. With your support behind us we can achieve what we all want to achieve.
Now for some team questions, with a little bit of banter!
Who complains the most within the Giants squad?
Luke Robinson! He whinges and moans about everything and he's got small man issues.
Who has the worst music taste within the squad?
Its got to be our physio Dos. He takes control when we have prehab on a morning and it's usually shocking it's always some Irish sing along songs.
Who spends the longest on their hair?
Gotta be Ben Blackmore and Aaron Murphy, they spend a lot of time in the mirror sorting their fringes out!
The fans also got a chance to ask some questions. Here are the answers-
@DYSON2810 asked- what attracts players to join different clubs? It cannot all be about money.
There's lots of attractions, opportunity to play more regularly, to have fresh challenge, to test yourself, to win things.
@Paulctsc asked- Brett, Did you enjoy your time at the Cas Tigers and would you have stayed if Daryl Powell was the coach?
Yeah i really enjoyed my time at Cas and still go down regularly to watch them. Daryl has done a great job at the club but I thought it was the right time for me to move on and challenge myself.
@JBoucher17 asked- Brett, why did you leave Bradford?
I got a opportunity to leave and get regularly game time at Wakefield, which as a player, all you want to do his play as much as you can.
@gayrlfans asked- if you could poach any player from super league or NRL, who would you choose and why?
I think I'd go for Greg Inglis. The blokes massive, quick, skillful and just such a good all rounder.
@tonia_kate asked- how did you get into rugby league and how would you encourage others to get involved in this great sport?
I just watched some young kids playing and thought I wouldn't mind doing that and haven't looked back since. I'd get them along to training and try and make it as enjoyable and fun as possible
@BenParker79 asked- what's your thoughts on the latest influx of beards in the professional game?
I don't mind them, but I feel sorry for their wives and partners!
@lukey7s asked- Was it Brett me and my dad saw in H&M in the white rose on Monday haha?
Yeah, I think so. I was getting some new summer shorts, hopefully I get to wear them.
That's all for the questions. I really, really enjoyed getting to know Brett as he has had an extremely incredible career so far and there were so many things I could talk to him about. Good luck to Brett for the rest of the season and thanks for doing this in his spare time. Go give him a follow on Twitter and say thanks for doing the interview, @BrettFerres11.
Also, don't forget to follow me on Twitter, @RLLatest.
Thanks for reading!