Born in Preston, Lancashire Josh Rourke was a talented sportsman from an early age. His first introduction to rugby league was when his dad would take him to watch Wigan Warriors aged 4 however his interests and talent saw him signed for local football side Preston North End. Tall and quick with an eye for goal he was a talented forward but when he was released by his hometown club, which by his own admission, “broke his heart” he decided to turn his attention more to rugby league. Joining Chorley Rugby League at the age of 10 Rourke spent a large part of his teenage years at his local club where he would often play football on a Sunday morning before a rugby game in the afternoon. At 14 he signed a scholarship at Widnes Vikings initially playing as either a hooker or half-back. Rourke would spend 2 years at the club before more heartbreak when he was released. At that point Rourke rejoined Chorley so he could continue to play but more for fun “with friends”. It was at this point he began to play full-b