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Adam Milner

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Adam Milner
Personal information
Full nameAdam James Milner[1]
Born (1991-12-19) 19 December 1991 (age 32)
Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England
Height6 ft 1 in (1.86 m)
Weight14 st 5 lb (91 kg)[2]
Playing information
PositionLoose forward, Hooker
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2010–23 Castleford Tigers 301 38 1 0 154
2023(loan) →Huddersfield Giants 22 1 0 0 4
2024 Huddersfield Giants 22 3 0 0 12
2025– Oldham RLFC 0 0 0 0 0
Total 345 42 1 0 170
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2018 England 3 0 0 0 0
Source: [3][4][5]
As of 26 September 2024

Adam Milner (born 19 December 1991) is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays as a loose forward or hooker for the Oldham RLFC in the RFL Championship. He has represented England at international level.

He had previously played his entire professional club career with the Castleford Tigers, and only Michael Shenton and Nathan Massey have made more appearances for the Tigers than him in the Super League era.

Background

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Milner was born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England.

Milner played junior rugby league for Stanley Rangers.

Club career

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Castleford Tigers

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Breakthrough

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Having come through the Tigers' academy system, Milner made his Super League début against Huddersfield Giants on Sunday 4 July 2010.[6]

Milner scored his first try for Castleford against Harlequins RL on 21 August 2010.[7] He followed up his début try with another one in the following league game against St. Helens, in the last match at Knowsley Road.[8] He made 4 appearances and scored 2 tries in his first season.

Prior to the 2011 season, Milner was given the number 16 shirt, with Castleford head coach Terry Matterson saying "I think he's going to get plenty of first team footy this year."[9] He made 22 appearances and scored 4 tries.[4] At the end of the season, he signed a new three-year deal with the Tigers.[10]

First team hooker

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Having firmly established himself in Castleford's first team, Milner made 21 appearances and scored 3 tries in the 2012 season.

2013 was Milner's highest scoring season yet for Castleford, with 7 tries in 23 appearances.[4] In August, he signed a two-year contract extension until the end of 2016, saying, "As soon as I got the contract offer I didn't think twice about signing it."[11] Head coach Daryl Powell said, "both his attacking game and his toughness in defence are developing every week and I know he will continue to work hard to achieve his undoubted potential."[11]

Milner was awarded for his consistent performances at hooker with squad number 9 for the 2014 season.[12] He made a further 25 appearances and scored 3 tries to help Castleford to a 4th placed finish in Super League.[4]

He played in all but 3 of the Tigers' matches in 2015, playing more minutes and taking a larger role in the team following the departure of Man of Steel-winning hooker Daryl Clark to Warrington at the end of the previous season. He made 28 appearances and scored 3 tries.[4]

In February 2016, Milner signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him with the Tigers until the end of 2018.[13] He was ever-present throughout Castleford's injury-struck 2016 season, appearing in all 32 matches.[4] He mostly played as a hooker, but switched position to loose forward towards the end of the campaign due to mounting injuries in the squad.[14] At the club's end-of-season awards night, Milner was named Directors' Player of the Year and 2nd place Player of the Year.[15]

Evolving role

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For the 2017 campaign, Milner was assigned squad number 13, indicating his switch in position to loose forward.[16] He played a crucial role in Castleford's play-off semi-final golden point victory over St. Helens - just minutes after making a try-saving tackle on Tommy Makinson, he burrowed his way over the line for a try under the sticks.[17] He was voted as the Fans' Man of the Match for his efforts. He also played in the 2017 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford.[18][19][20]

Milner kicked the first goal of his career on Castleford's visit to the Warrington Wolves on 8 June 2018, in the absence of the Tigers' first choice 5 kickers.[21] In July 2018, Milner signed a new three-year contract with the Tigers, keeping him at the club until the end of 2021. This was despite a number of NRL clubs declaring an interest in him as a result of his impressive form.[22][23] Castleford director of rugby Jon Wells said: "I think it sends a clear and bold statement about our ambitions as a club and I am delighted that Adam will now move into the best years of his career as a Castleford Tiger."

It was Milner's try from dummy half against the Wigan Warriors on 5 April 2019 that completed the Tigers' comeback from a 20-point deficit, in a game they went on to win.[24] He opened the scoring in Castleford's Elimination final victory over the Warrington Wolves in the play-offs, touching down a deft Paul McShane kick.[25] In this year, he made 28 appearances and scored 3 tries.

Going into the 2020 season, Milner said he felt "fitter, faster and stronger" and talked of his desire to further improve his performances.[26] He scored against the Toronto Wolfpack in Castleford's first match of the campaign.[27]

Veteran

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Milner was granted a testimonial year in 2021, and took on Hull Kingston Rovers at Craven Park for his testimonial match on 14 March.[28] On 17 July 2021, he played for Castleford in their 2021 Challenge Cup Final loss against St Helens.[29] In August, it was announced that Milner had signed a new two-year deal with Castleford; "To remain a one-club man, which is something I pride myself on, is a proud moment, I am excited for what is to come," he said.[30]

The 2022 season saw Milner assume squad number 12 due to the return of Joe Westerman to Castleford.[31] He scored a try against Toulouse Olympique on 1 April after recovering from a back injury sustained in pre-season which delayed his start to the campaign.[32][33] On playing under new head coach Lee Radford, Milner said, "I think bringing a new coach in has certainly helped the environment and the team go in a bit of a different direction."[33] Milner finished the season with 19 appearances, having featured at both second-row and hooker.

In 2023, Milner returned to squad number 16 after last wearing it in 2011.[34] His performance against the Leeds Rhinos in Castleford's first victory of the 2023 season saw him named in the Super League Team of the Week.[35] On 24 March, he made his 300th career appearance.[36] In April, Wakefield Trinity enquired about Milner's availability but Castleford declined the move.[37] On 5 May, he made his 300th Castleford appearance.[38]

On 25 May 2023, Milner confirmed that he would leave the Castleford Tigers with immediate effect. He said, "I am immensely proud to have worn the Cas colours and represent this amazing club for so long. I'm gutted the way it has ended and it has been an incredibly emotional time for myself to leave, but I am looking forward to a new challenge at Huddersfield."[39][40]

Huddersfield Giants

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On 19 May 2023, Huddersfield Giants head coach Ian Watson first confirmed his interest in signing Milner, who was in the final year of his Castleford contract.[41] The next week, on 25 May, the Giants announced the signing of Milner, initially on a season-long loan deal.[42] This would be made permanent at the end of the season, on a one-year deal with an option for a further year.[43] He was ineligible for Huddersfield's game against Castleford the following day, and made his debut on 4 June against St Helens at the Magic Weekend.[44] In the build up towards his Wheldon Road return in August, Milner admitted, "It's not just another game," and said, "It'll be nice to see some familiar faces, not just the playing squad but the backroom staff, supporters and sponsors."[45] He went on to score his first Huddersfield try against his former club, crossing late on to confirm a resounding victory over the Tigers.[46]

Oldham RLFC

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On 26 September 2024 it was reported that he had signed for Oldham RLFC in the RFL Championship on a two-year deal.[47]

International career

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Milner represented England Schools U16s on their tour of France in Easter 2008. He played as a hooker in the 26-24 defeat by France U16s in Tonneins, scoring the first try of the series and receiving a Man of the Match award. He played as a hooker in the 36-8 victory over France U16s.[48]

Milner captained the England Academy in 2010.[49] He represented England Academy as a hooker in the 40-16 victory over France U18s at the Stade Max Rousié on 9 June 2010, and scored a try.[50] He played as a hooker in the 38-30 victory over Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) at the Leigh Sports Village on 4 December 2010, and the 34-22 victory over Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) at Leigh Sports Village on 11 December 2010.[51][52][53]

In July 2018, Milner was called up to the England Elite Performance Squad for the second phase of the season, in the build up towards the International Test Series against New Zealand later in the year.[54] He made his senior international début on 17 October 2018 in England's 44-6 victory against France at the Leigh Sports Village.[55][56] He represented England in their 20-14 victory over New Zealand at Anfield on 4 November 2018, and in their 0-34 loss to New Zealand at Elland Road on 11 November 2018 in their three-match test series.[57][58]

Statistics

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Club career

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Appearances and points in all competitions by year
Club Season Tier App T G DG Pts
Castleford Tigers 2010 Super League 4 2 0 0 8
2011 Super League 22 4 0 0 16
2012 Super League 21 3 0 0 12
2013 Super League 23 7 0 0 28
2014 Super League 25 3 0 0 12
2015 Super League 28 3 0 0 12
2016 Super League 32 3 0 0 12
2017 Super League 29 4 0 0 16
2018 Super League 29 3 1 0 14
2019 Super League 28 3 0 0 12
2020 Super League 13 2 0 0 8
2021 Super League 19 0 0 0 0
2022 Super League 19 1 0 0 4
2023 Super League 9 0 0 0 0
Total 301 38 1 0 154
Huddersfield Giants 2023 Super League 9 1 0 0 4
2024 Super League
Total 0
Oldham RLFC 2025 RFL Championship 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0
Career total 310 39 1 0 158
As of match played 9 June 2023

International career

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Against App T G FG Pts
France 1 0 0 0 0
New Zealand 2 0 0 0 0
Totals 3 0 0 0 0

References

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  1. ^ Companies House
  2. ^ "Castleford Tigers 1st Team Adam Milner". Official Castleford Tigers web site. Castleford Tigers Rugby League Football Club Ltd. 2015. Archived from the original on 22 June 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
  3. ^ Rugby League Project
  4. ^ a b c d e f RL Record Keepers' Club
  5. ^ loverugbyleague
  6. ^ "Castleford Tigers 44-18 Huddersfield Giants". BBC Sport. 4 July 2010. Retrieved 14 September 2010.
  7. ^ "Castleford 40-28 Harlequins". BBC Sport. 22 August 2010. Retrieved 14 September 2010.
  8. ^ "St Helens 40-30 Castleford". BBC Sport. 4 September 2010. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  9. ^ "2011 Castleford Tigers squad numbers". Superleaguefans.com. 19 January 2011. Archived from the original on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  10. ^ "New deal for Castleford Tigers hooker Adam Milner". BBC Sport. 6 October 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  11. ^ a b "Adam Milner extends Castleford Tigers contract". BBC Sport. 29 August 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  12. ^ "Castleford Tigers 2014 squad numbers". Love Rugby League. 19 December 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  13. ^ "Milner signs extension". Love Rugby League. 9 February 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  14. ^ "Adam Milner Career Stats & Summary". Rugby League Project. Archived from the original on 9 November 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  15. ^ "Moors scoops hat-trick of player of the year awards". The Pontefract & Castleford Express. 21 September 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  16. ^ "Castleford Tigers squad numbers revealed". The Pontefract & Castleford Express. 14 January 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  17. ^ "Castleford 23-22 St Helens (AET): Luke Gale the hero with golden drop-goal". Sky Sports. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  18. ^ "Castleford 6-24 Leeds: Grand Final 2017 – as it happened". The Guardian. 7 October 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  19. ^ "Grand Final 2017: Castleford 6-24 Leeds Rhinos". BBC Sport. 7 October 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  20. ^ "Danny McGuire guides Leeds to Grand Final success over Castleford". The Guardian. 7 October 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  21. ^ "Super League: Warrington Wolves 30-34 Castleford Tigers". BBC Sport. 8 June 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  22. ^ "Adam Milner: Castleford hooker spurns NRL interest to sign new three-year deal". BBC Sport. 20 July 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  23. ^ "Big career choice lies ahead for Castleford Tigers' in-demand Adam Milner". The Yorkshire Post. 5 June 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  24. ^ "Castleford 38-28 Wigan: Zak Hardaker endures miserable return to the Jungle". Sky Sports. 6 April 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  25. ^ "Warrington Wolves 12-14 Castleford Tigers: Visitors hold on for Super League play-off win". Sky Sports. 20 September 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  26. ^ "Castleford Tigers' Adam Milner feeling fitter, faster and stronger". The Yorkshire Post. 30 January 2020. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  27. ^ "Toronto Wolfpack 10-28 Castleford Tigers: Tigers crash Wolfpack's Super League debut party". Sky Sports. 3 February 2020. Archived from the original on 4 February 2020. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  28. ^ "Milner testimonial game announced". Castleford Tigers. 14 February 2021. Retrieved 20 February 2022.
  29. ^ "Challenge Cup: St Helens beat Castleford 26-12 for first Wembley victory since 2008". BBC Sport.
  30. ^ "Adam Milner: Castleford hooker agrees new deal with club". BBC Sport. 16 August 2021. Retrieved 20 February 2022.
  31. ^ "Tigers reveal 2022 squad numbers". Castleford Tigers. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2022.
  32. ^ "Super League: Castleford Tigers 32-6 Toulouse - Hosts register second win in two matches". BBC Sport. 1 April 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  33. ^ a b Darbyshire, Drew (1 April 2022). "Castleford Tigers: Adam Milner enjoying fresh change under Lee Radford". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  34. ^ "Tigers announce squad numbers for 2023". Castleford Tigers. 20 January 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  35. ^ "Round 5 Team of the Week". Super League. 20 March 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  36. ^ "Defeat for the Tigers in round 6". Castleford Tigers. 24 March 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  37. ^ Darbyshire, Drew (12 April 2023). "Castleford boss provides update on Adam Milner future". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  38. ^ Harber, Tony (25 May 2023). "Adam Milner set to leave Castleford Tigers to join Huddersfield Giants". Wakefield Express. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  39. ^ Walker, Callum (25 May 2023). "Adam Milner breaks silence on emotional Castleford Tigers exit as he confirms next Super League club". Total RL. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  40. ^ Gordon, James (25 May 2023). "Long-serving Castleford forward set to make immediate Super League move". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  41. ^ McAllister, Josh (19 May 2023). "Huddersfield boss confirms interest in Castleford Tigers utility". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  42. ^ "Adam Milner: Huddersfield Giants sign Castleford Tigers stalwart on initial loan". BBC Sport. 25 May 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  43. ^ McAllister, Josh (25 May 2023). "Adam Milner's Huddersfield switch confirmed, with interesting contract details". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  44. ^ Newsum, Matt (4 June 2023). "Super League: St Helens 48-6 Huddersfield Giants - Saints move into top six". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  45. ^ O'Brien, James (3 August 2023). "'It's not just another game': Adam Milner juggling mixed emotions ahead of Castleford Tigers return with Huddersfield Giants". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  46. ^ "Super League: Castleford 0-28 Huddersfield - Sam Halsall hat-trick as Giants win fourth in a row". BBC Sport. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  47. ^ Callum Walker (26 September 2024). "Ex-Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants veteran Adam Milner's new club confirmed". Total RL.
  48. ^ "Adam Milner - England Schools Under 16s tour". Stanley Rangers. 5 April 2008. Archived from the original on 13 February 2003. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  49. ^ "England Academy captain ready for Australian Challenge". Castleford Tigers. 3 December 2010. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  50. ^ "France 16-40 England". www.rlef.eu.com. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  51. ^ "Statistics at thecastlefordtigers.co.uk". 31 December 2013. Archived from the original on 12 May 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  52. ^ "England Academy wins first Test". National Rugby League. 5 December 2010. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  53. ^ "England academy squad named". Love Rugby League. 9 December 2010. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  54. ^ Darbyshire, Drew (24 July 2018). "Sam Tomkins called up to England squad along with Adam Milner and Mike Cooper". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  55. ^ "Tom Johnstone marks debut with England hat-trick against France". The Guardian. 17 October 2018. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
  56. ^ "England 44-6 France: Tom Johnstone scores hat-trick in warm-up for New Zealand Test series". BBC Sport. 17 October 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  57. ^ "England 20-14 New Zealand: Tommy Makinson's hat-trick seals the series". BBC Sport. 4 November 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  58. ^ "England 0-34 New Zealand: Wayne Bennett's side thrashed". Sky Sports. 11 November 2018. Archived from the original on 9 October 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
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