Aaron Willis

Last updated
Aaron Willis
Personal information
Full nameAaron Willis
Born (2003-12-11) 11 December 2003 (age 21)
Macclesfield, Cheshire, England
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight15 st 4 lb (97 kg) [1]
Playing information
Position Prop, Second-row
Club
YearsTeamPldTGFGP
2023 Castleford Tigers 10000
2023(DR)→ Midlands Hurricanes 142008
2024–25 Midlands Hurricanes 3140016
2026– Swinton Lions 00000
Total4660024
Source: [2] [3]
As of 19 October 2025

Aaron Willis (born 11 December 2003) is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays as a prop or second-row forward for the Swinton Lions in the RFL Championship.

Contents

He has previously played for Castleford Tigers in the Super League and for Midlands Hurricanes in League One.

Background

Willis was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England.

Willis played junior rugby league for South Trafford Raiders and Langworthy Reds ARLFC. He joined the Castleford Tigers Academy system after his previous side, the Widnes Vikings, closed their academy. [4] [5]

Willis' performances for Castleford's Academy and Reserves sides saw him named Academy Player of the Year for 2022. [6] [7] He joined the senior squad for 2023 pre-season training and played in a friendly against Featherstone Rovers on New Year's Eve. [8]

Playing career

Castleford Tigers

On 9 June 2023, Willis made his Super League debut for the Castleford Tigers against the Salford Red Devils. [9] He was originally intended to be 18th man, but was informed he would play on the day of the game due to additional injuries. [4] Head coach Andy Last said, "Aaron did a good job after coming on and to give him the last 20 minutes of the game will do him the world of good." [10]

On 22 October 2023, following the conclusion of the season, Castleford confirmed that Willis had departed the club to "take up an opportunity elsewhere". [11]

Midlands Hurricanes (dual registration)

Willis played for the Midlands Hurricanes in 2023, through their dual registration arrangement with Castleford. [2] He went on to make 14 appearances across the 2023 season, winning the club's Young Player of the Year award. [12]

Midlands Hurricanes

On 7 November 2023, Willis made his move to Midlands Hurricanes permanent, joining the League One club on a two-year deal. [12] He was named the club's Young Player of the Year for a second time in the 2025 season. [13]

Swinton Lions

On 10 September 2025, Swinton Lions announced the signing of Willis from 2026. [13] [14]

Club statistics

Appearances and points in all competitions by year
ClubSeasonTierAppTGDGPts
Castleford colours.svg Castleford Tigers 2023 Super League 10000
Midlandshurricanescolours.png Midlands Hurricanes 2023 [a] League One 142008
2024 League One 212008
2025 League One 1940016
Total5480032
Swintoncolours.svg Swinton Lions 2026 Championship 00000
Career total5580032
As of match played 7 September 2025 [2]
  1. ↑ On dual registration from Castleford in 2023 before joining permanently in 2024

References

  1. ↑ "Aaron Willis Biography". Castleford Tigers. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  2. 1 2 3 RL Record Keepers' Club
  3. ↑ Rugby League Project
  4. 1 2 "Willis makes his first team debut". Castleford Tigers. 2023-06-20. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  5. ↑ Hunt, Daniel (2020-12-18). "Widnes Vikings terminate academy operations with immediate effect". Total Rugby League. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  6. ↑ Pattison, Cam (2022-12-29). "Castleford Tigers youngster makes move to first team squad and reveals two stars helping him develop". Serious About Rugby League. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  7. ↑ "Willis wanting to end season on a high". Castleford Tigers. 2022-08-23. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  8. ↑ "Willis wanting to learn this pre-season". Castleford Tigers. 2023-01-25. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  9. ↑ "Super League: Castleford Tigers 10-42 Salford Red Devils - Visitors move into top four after win". BBC Sport. 2023-06-09. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  10. ↑ Darbyshire, Drew (2023-06-10). "Castleford boss Andy Last confirms double injury blow in Salford defeat". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  11. ↑ "Full 2024 first team squad". Castleford Tigers. 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  12. 1 2 Darbyshire, Drew (7 November 2023). "Castleford Tigers youngster makes League 1 move: 'A quality young player with Super League experience'". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
  13. 1 2 Olawumi, Ben (11 September 2025). "Former Castleford Tigers young gun among duo to join League 1 heavyweights ahead of 2026". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
  14. ↑ "Aaron Willis departs". Midlands Hurricanes. 11 September 2025. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
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