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Griffin graduates to big time

From the archive, first published Wednesday 4th Jun 2003.

Oxford Cavaliers are celebrating after Darryl Griffin made his debut for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats against Widnes.

It was the first time that a player from the Total RL.Com Rugby League Conference has played in the Superleague.

The prop, who is currently on trial at Belle Vue, began his rugby league career as a winger at Oxford when the nationwide summer competition was inaugurated in 1998.

He moved on to London Broncos Academy, where he impressed Wakefield coach Shane McNally.

Griffin is also well known in rugby union circles, having started at Witney and gone on to play for NEC Harlequins last season, when he also turned out in Oxfordshire's first County Championship game.

Cavaliers' Matt Walsh said: "This is a great boost for rugby league in Oxford and at grass roots level in general.

"A few years ago, the only people playing rugby league down here were all exiled northerners. That has really changed now."