Aaron Willis
Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Aaron Willis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 11 December 2003 Macclesfield, Cheshire, England | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 15 st 4 lb (97 kg)[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Prop, Second-row | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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As of 19 October 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aaron Willis (born 11 December 2003) is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays as a prop or second-row forward for the Swinton Lions in the RFL Championship.
He has previously played for Castleford Tigers in the Super League and for Midlands Hurricanes in League One.
Background
Willis was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England.
Willis played junior rugby league for South Trafford Raiders and Langworthy Reds ARLFC. He joined the Castleford Tigers Academy system after his previous side, the Widnes Vikings, closed their academy.[4][5]
Willis' performances for Castleford's Academy and Reserves sides saw him named Academy Player of the Year for 2022.[6][7] He joined the senior squad for 2023 pre-season training and played in a friendly against Featherstone Rovers on New Year's Eve.[8]
Playing career
Castleford Tigers
On 9 June 2023, Willis made his Super League debut for the Castleford Tigers against the Salford Red Devils.[9] He was originally intended to be 18th man, but was informed he would play on the day of the game due to additional injuries.[4] Head coach Andy Last said, "Aaron did a good job after coming on and to give him the last 20 minutes of the game will do him the world of good."[10]
On 22 October 2023, following the conclusion of the season, Castleford confirmed that Willis had departed the club to "take up an opportunity elsewhere".[11]
Midlands Hurricanes (dual registration)
Willis played for the Midlands Hurricanes in 2023, through their dual registration arrangement with Castleford.[2] He went on to make 14 appearances across the 2023 season, winning the club's Young Player of the Year award.[12]
Midlands Hurricanes
On 7 November 2023, Willis made his move to Midlands Hurricanes permanent, joining the League One club on a two-year deal.[12] He was named the club's Young Player of the Year for a second time in the 2025 season.[13]
Swinton Lions
On 10 September 2025, Swinton Lions announced the signing of Willis from 2026.[13][14]
Club statistics
| Club | Season | Tier | App | T | G | DG | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castleford Tigers | 2023 | Super League | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Midlands Hurricanes | 2023[a] | League One | 14 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 2024 | League One | 21 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | |
| 2025 | League One | 19 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 16 | |
| Total | 54 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 32 | ||
| Swinton Lions | 2026 | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career total | 55 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 32 | ||
- As of match played 7 September 2025[2]
- ^ On dual registration from Castleford in 2023 before joining permanently in 2024
References
- ^ "Aaron Willis Biography". Castleford Tigers. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
- ^ a b c RL Record Keepers' Club
- ^ Rugby League Project
- ^ a b "Willis makes his first team debut". Castleford Tigers. 2023-06-20. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
- ^ Hunt, Daniel (2020-12-18). "Widnes Vikings terminate academy operations with immediate effect". Total Rugby League. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
- ^ Pattison, Cam (2022-12-29). "Castleford Tigers youngster makes move to first team squad and reveals two stars helping him develop". Serious About Rugby League. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
- ^ "Willis wanting to end season on a high". Castleford Tigers. 2022-08-23. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
- ^ "Willis wanting to learn this pre-season". Castleford Tigers. 2023-01-25. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
- ^ "Super League: Castleford Tigers 10-42 Salford Red Devils - Visitors move into top four after win". BBC Sport. 2023-06-09. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
- ^ Darbyshire, Drew (2023-06-10). "Castleford boss Andy Last confirms double injury blow in Salford defeat". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
- ^ "Full 2024 first team squad". Castleford Tigers. 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
- ^ a b Darbyshire, Drew (7 November 2023). "Castleford Tigers youngster makes League 1 move: 'A quality young player with Super League experience'". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
- ^ a b Olawumi, Ben (11 September 2025). "Former Castleford Tigers young gun among duo to join League 1 heavyweights ahead of 2026". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
- ^ "Aaron Willis departs". Midlands Hurricanes. 11 September 2025. Retrieved 19 October 2025.