What does it mean to be a Telford Raider? We checked in with our very own Denham Samuels . Thankyou Denz.
I remember being 10 when I joined coaches Dave Berry and Fred Baker at the Telford Raiders. I instantly fell in love with the game.
At 14 years old life changed a little for me when a random infection in my hip left me with bad arthritis and after keeping going as long as I could I retired in 2018. At that time I felt I retired on a high after being named as Captain in the Final against Sherwood, a highlight of my playing days coming away with the win.
Fred was keen to keep me involved in the club and I am grateful for that to this day. It is never easy when being injured or having to give up something you love however I was kept involved and was still “one of the boys” when I couldn’t play it kept me sane. I won’t ever forget that. We all spend a lot of time together, training and playing and you can tell when someone isn’t themselves. It’s so easy as a man to say you are fine when actually you are not. We are lucky to be such a tight knit squad that we can talk to each other and reach out. I went on to become a level two coach and helped Fred with coaching the Men’s team when work permitted, giving back to the club. I had always supported the Juniors prior to gaining my badges and another highlight of mine was seeing our “little team from Telford” take the spoils up north beating Hindley becoming Northwest Counties Premier Division Champions at U17s alongside Coach Martin Foskett and Joe Furlong. It is fantastic to see many of those lads move up to our current Senior team.
Fast forward a few years in 2021 I had a total left hip replacement. I went from thinking I would never play again to trying to play 6 months later and I haven’t looked back. In fact I have been privileged to not just play but to be named Captain 2 years in a row. Back to back wins and Competing in the first round of the Challenge Cup has been the reward. I am so incredibly proud of our team. We have achieved so much together, and we have one goal to stay together and keep the dream alive.
Who are you happy to be running with and not against?
Big Nath, Big Fosy, Luke D, Davo and Cashy.
Who has inspired you?
Fred Baker for his unwaving commitment to the club. But growing up it was Shof and Pom. They were always so exciting to watch and always took their time to help out with us when we were kids. They took us under their wing, along with many of the seniors at that time. Something that is so important for us as club and definitely something our seniors try to model.
What sets Raiders apart from other teams that I’ve played for is we feel like family. We would do anything for each other and it’s a special club to be part of. Its why I kept coming back and not retiring. Lol even though my body keeps telling me I need to.
Biggest highlights: Back to back Midlands Premier wins as Captain and leading the Lads out competing in the First Round of the Challenge Cup. We may have not come away with the win, but god did we give it our all and it has set the benchmark for this year and beyond. We will continue to raise the profile of Rugby League outside the Heartlands and give as much back to the game as we get from it.
Honours
U16 West Midlands
U18s West Midlands
U18s Endland Lion Hearts
Midlands tour U18s To serbia
Open Age: Tours Midlands Russia, Greece and Spain.
Captain 3 times Winning Midlands Premier Division. 2018, 2023, 2024
#togetherstronger
