A SPECIAL memorial rugby shirt has been made to honour a talented young player who “shone so brightly”.

Kells Rugby League Club has designed the shirt in memory of Cameron Taylor, who tragically died earlier this year at Lillyhall industrial estate.

The 20-year-old, known locally as ‘Tadge’, had played for Kells since he was eight-years-old and has been described by his coach as “a fantastic player” who “never spoke out of turn about anybody”.

The jersey features images of Cameron along with the number one - which was his shirt number - and the Great North Air Ambulance logo.

Sean High, second team coach at Kells Rugby League Club, who had coached Cameron since he was 16, said: “He was only small but as a rugby player, he turned out to be the best.

“It’s still difficult now. He was one of those players who turned up every week. He was the first to put his hand up to say he was available.

“He shone so brightly.

“He was coach’s player of the year, player’s player of the year and referee’s player of the year, one season after the other.

“He was such a fantastic player.

“He was so deceptive - it was unreal. A bit of wind would blow him away but on a rugby pitch he was our last line of defence and no one got past him.

“Because of his size, I think he gave a lot of young kids coming through that bit of confidence. If he could do it then anyone can.

“He was one of these players who never had cross words about anybody. He never spoke out of turn about anybody.

“He was a good lad. He kept himself to himself. He never got involved with any trouble.”

Mr High said the club wanted to pay their respects to Cameron and the air ambulance by creating the memorial shirt.

“We needed to do something to remember him,” he explained. “We got together with his family. We got a design together and asked the family if they were happy. They were absolutely over the moon with it.

“We’ve retired the number one jersey which was Cameron’s number. No one will wear that jersey this year as a mark of respect for Cameron.”

A memorial game is also being planned against Wath Brow Hornets.

“The rugby community in general has been absolutely fantastic,” Mr High said.

“We haven’t given him the send-off he deserves because of Covid. When the situation is better, we will.”

Paying tribute to the promising young player, Mr High added: “ Young kid. Loads of talent. Real nice lad. A great player with a great future, taken far too young.”