From Leeds United to rugby league? Boston United striker Frank Mulhern won't rule out sporting switch

On-loan Stockport County attacker would love to follow in brother Robbie's footsteps...
Frank Mulhern. Photo: Eric BrownFrank Mulhern. Photo: Eric Brown
Frank Mulhern. Photo: Eric Brown

Frank Mulhern hasn’t ruled out hanging up his football boots and making the switch to rugby league.

The Boston United striker grew up playing both sports alongside his brother Robbie, a prop with Hull Kingston Rovers.

And he admits that somewhere down the line he may be tempted to make the change and follow in his brother’s footsteps.

Frank in action for Leeds United against Chelsea in the 2014 FA Youth Cup. Photo: Bruce RollinsonFrank in action for Leeds United against Chelsea in the 2014 FA Youth Cup. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
Frank in action for Leeds United against Chelsea in the 2014 FA Youth Cup. Photo: Bruce Rollinson

“To be fair, I still have it in my mind now,” Mulhern told The Standard.

“I’m not going to rule it out, 100 per cent not.”

The Leeds-born Mulhern brothers went their separate ways in their youth, Frank, now 22, joining the Leeds United academy and representing their under 18s and under 23s before signing for Huddersfield Town.

Spells with Guiseley and last season's National League North champions Stockport County followed before Mulhern linked up with United on loan until the end of the season.

Robbie Mulhern bursts forward in the Hull derby. Photo: Bruce RollinsonRobbie Mulhern bursts forward in the Hull derby. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
Robbie Mulhern bursts forward in the Hull derby. Photo: Bruce Rollinson

Twenty-five-year-old Robbie began his career with Leeds Rhinos, also featuring for Hunslet Hawks before joining his current club.

“We both played football and rugby as kids,” Mulhern added.

“He (Robbie) is a good footballer as well.

“He only played Sunday League, but he’d score four every game so we both can do both sports.”

Mulhern scores against York. hoto: Eric BrownMulhern scores against York. hoto: Eric Brown
Mulhern scores against York. hoto: Eric Brown

But despite going their separate ways, the two brothers still actively support one another in their chosen sports.

Frank watched Robbie’s Hull KR side face Hull FC in their Super League derby at the KCOM Stadium on February 7, the night before he scored his first goal for the Pilgrims in the 3-1 victory over York City.

And despite Robbie’s side losing out 25-16, Frank was adamant his elder brother was the man of the match.

It appears both Mulhern boys made the correct career choices as both caught the eye on the international scene early on.

Mulhern on the ball against Kidderminster Harriers. Photo: John Aron.Mulhern on the ball against Kidderminster Harriers. Photo: John Aron.
Mulhern on the ball against Kidderminster Harriers. Photo: John Aron.

Frank has featured for the Republc of Ireland under 19s.

Robbie, meanwhile, has received call-ups from Ireland, England and the England Knights.

While Mulhern junior has confessed that he may one day have a future in rugby league, at whatever level that be, Boston fans needn’t worry about him quitting too soon.

“I won’t be doing it in the near future,” he continued.

“I want to see what I can do in football. But it’s something I’ll definitely think about maybe in a few years.

“I just want to play football right now, give it my best shot and see how it goes. Then we’ll see what happens.”