Fletcher Rooney

Fletcher Rooney (born January 2006) is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Castleford Tigers in the Super League.

Background
Rooney was born in West Yorkshire, England.

Rooney played junior rugby league for Lock Lane ARLFC. He joined the Castleford Tigers development system at scholarship level.

In September 2022, Rooney progressed to Castleford's academy squad. During the season, he made 11 appearances and scored 10 tries and 1 goal, as well as a further 5 appearances and 1 try at Reserves level, and was named Academy Player of the Year for 2023.

Rooney represented Yorkshire in their Academy Origin fixture against Lancashire on 19 August 2023. He played as a in the 44–16 defeat at Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Playing career
In September 2023, Rooney was introduced into first-team training with the Castleford senior squad, and was assigned squad number 47. On 22 September, aged 17, he made his Super League debut for the Castleford Tigers against the Leeds Rhinos in the final round of the season. His performance in defeat earned praise from head coaches Danny Ward and Rohan Smith as well as the travelling fans. Rooney described his debut as "one of the best feelings of my life. All my life I've been working towards that moment, it was a big thing for me and my family." He became the first 2006-born player to feature in the Super League.

In October 2023, Rooney was included in Castleford's listed first-team squad ahead of the 2024 season. With only two out-and-out fullbacks in their ranks, there was potential for further minutes as an understudy to Luke Hooley. Head of rugby Danny Wilson said, "we're going to manage his development. We have big plans for him at this club, but it takes time." In December 2023, it was announced that Rooney had signed his first professional contract with Castleford, agreeing a two-year deal.