A TEENAGE Rugby League star jetted back from a trip-of-a-lifetime to Australia this week - armed with a standing invitation to return!

The heaven-sent opportunity to play for top ARL club Newcastle Knights was offered to 18-year-old Andy Fisher (seen right) when he captained the recent Great Britain BARLA squad Down Under.

It came from Gary and Gail Johns with whom Andy lodged, and who are the parents of Matthew and Andrew, who turn out for a Knights' club whose head coach is former Great Britain supremo Malcolm Riley.

"Obviously it was a very welcome gesture and one I will take up in the future," said the blond ex-Parr High School pupil, a utility forward who stands 5ft 10in and tips the scale at 14st.

The son of Jimmy and Jean Fisher, of Sexton Avenue, Derbyshire Hill, young Fisher was in outstanding form on his first visit to Australia and was a popular choice as man-of-the tour.

A member of the Blackbrook Royals squad, Andy appeared in the Saints' Academy team last season along with his former school pal and near neighbour Jason Johnson, but was out of action for a lengthy period due to shingles behind the eye.

As the Star was going to press it was revealed prop forward Andy has been name Barla Youth player of the Year.

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