Paul Sykes (rugby league footballer)

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**Paul Sykes**
Personal information

Full name	Paul Sykes
Date of birth	August 11, 1981
Place of birth	Dewsbury, England
Height	5ft 10n 94kg
Nickname	Sykesy
Position	Centre / Full Back
Professional clubs*
1999-2002 2002-2007	Bradford Bulls Harlequins Rugby League	?(?) 107(31)
National team
2002-2005	England	?(?)
* Professional club appearances and (tries) counted for the domestic league only.

Paul Sykes (born 11 August 1981 in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, England) is an English rugby league player who currently plays for the Harlequins Rugby League club. His position of choice is either as a fullback or centre.

Paul Sykes is a product of Bradford Bulls academy, making his breakthrough in 1999 in Super League IV. However opportunities at the Grattan Stadium, Odsal were limited and so Sykes went on loan spells at London in both the 2001 and 2002 seasons.

With the promise of more regular first XIII rugby Sykes moved south to join the London Broncos in a permanent deal in August 2002.

Sykes soon settled back to life in the Capital and representative honours were gained with an appearance for England "A" against New Zealand in October, followed by a place on the successful "A" team tour to Fiji and Tonga.

Sykes has further earned England caps against Russia and Wales in 2003 and France and New Zealand in 2005.

Sykes originally came to the club as full-back, but the arrival of club captain Mark McLinden has seen Sykes operate largely in the centres in Super League X and XI.

Paul successfully converted during 2005 to the centre position where his powerful running and strong tackling are seen to their best advantage.

Super League XI saw Paul Sykes ruled out for much of the season after damaging his kidneys in February. However he made a comeback towards the end of the season after initially being ruled out for the entire campaign

2005 was a record breaking year for Sykes. On 27 February against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Sykes kicked 12 goals from 12 attempts to break a 17 year old London club record.

Further records for most goals and most points followed at the seasons end and in recognition of these achievements Paul was voted Supporters Player of the Year for 2005.

Away from life with the Quins Paul is a Huddersfield Town FC supporter, enjoys playing golf and listening to the music of the Arctic Monkeys, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Stone Roses and Maximo.