Reece Lyne has been at Wakefield Trinity for over ten years now. The Hull-born centre moved to the West Yorkshire club ahead of the 2013 season and never looked back.
A loyal servant to the red, white and blue, Lyne has played over 200 games and scored over 60 tries. Also with a couple of England appearances to his name, it's been some ride for the now 30-year-old.
On Sunday, Lyne celebrates his testimonial game as Halifax Panthers come to Belle Vue - or these days the All Be Well Stadium. There won't be a prouder man in the ground than Lyne, a day of celebration as Trinity look to build on their Boxing Day win over Leeds Rhinos, and all for a player who deserves nothing less.
Read more: First and second round Challenge Cup draws made ahead of historic double header
"It's something that I'm very humbled and proud to have," Lyne told Yorkshire Live of his testimonial. "It's going to be a special day to walk out with my kids and just to have my family and friends there to celebrate. It's something that I'm really looking forward to - ten years at one club, it's a good thing to do.
"There's not many at Wakefield who do that, there's a lot of chipping and changing so it's something that I'm really proud of. I like to think I've shown some loyalty to the club and also Michael (Carter) and the club have shown a lot of loyalty to me. I'm really pleased to get the game."
Rising through the ranks in the city of Hull, Lyne was a star for now defunct amateur club Ideal Isberg before debuting with Hull FC. Playing at Salford's former home the Willows, he scored on his Super League debut and made 13 appearances in three seasons before moving to Wakefield under Richard Agar once again.
That move brought Lyne the regular game-time and experience he craved. The centre has since become a mainstay of a Trinity side who finished fifth in consecutive years and who have also battled at the other end of the table - including a million pound game against Bradford.
"I've been here ten years now - I've seen a lot of things happen and I've achieved what I have achieved at Wakefield," Lyne continued. "There's been a lot of ups and downs and especially in those early years but I like to think the club has really progressed, certainly off the field, from when I got there to how it is now. It's a lot more professional and things run a lot smoother. That's mainly down to Michael coming in and steadying the ship. He's done a really good job.
"We finished fifth two years on the bounce under Chris Chester and I really thought we could have kicked on then and started challenging for the play-offs but unfortunately that wasn't to be. We never really built on that despite having some really good players. I played with Ben Jones-Bishop outside of me for years who was brilliant. We've always had that. It's just been a matter of consistency and getting that week to week.
"We don't spend the salary cap so when some of our key players have got injuries, we've probably lacked that depth over the years that other teams have. That's probably one area where we have struggled but when we have had our best seventeen out there we can at least compete and challenge against any team."
Despite Wakefield's books being smaller than others, it's never stopped them competing on the field. A proud club with a rich history, Wakefield have earned their Super League place year after year. In Lyne's view, it keeps them honest. There's no place where he'd rather play his rugby.
"It's a well-known fact that Wakefield don't spend up to the salary cap so before you've kicked a ball it's probably an uneven contest but we don't worry too much about that," Lyne explained. "We believe in each other and the team that we've got. Wakefield have always battled above their weight.
"That's one of the reasons why I've stayed for so long because it's such a hard-working and honest club. Everyone chips in, there's loads of volunteers and it's got a real working-class feel to it. It's a good place to be - it's a special club that has helped me achieve some great things."
Since moving across as a 19-year-old, Lyne has grown and grown at Wakefield. In 2018, he made his England debut and achieved the feat again in 2021, playing against France both times. However, Lyne is modest about his achievements, putting it all down to the team unit at the time.
"If the team is going well and you're playing a part in that then you pick up the recognition," Lyne said. "We had those couple of years in 2016 and 2017 and then in 2018 I played for England which is a real career highlight. I don't think there's many from Wakefield to do that in recent times and to do it alongside Tom (Johnstone), my good friend, was extra special.
"Looking back, I was 19 when I moved over to Wakefield. I chose to move over and it was a big move for me at the time as a young kid. I'd never lived away from home and my mum before so there was all that growing up to do and learning how to cook and stuff.
"I lived over there for five years and I've been back in Hull for five years now and do the commute. I enjoyed being over there, the drive can be hard at times when you can have that extra sleep in or the five minutes to get home, I do miss that, but I did what was best for me and my family."
And as for further testimonial events, Lyne has a few in the pipeline this year, starting on Saturday 18 February.
"I've got a few events lined up," Lyne added. "There's one next month after our first game - a Race Night at the club. I've got some more events pencilled in throughout the year. Hopefully I can see all the fans down there and have a couple of nice days together to celebrate."
Read next
Lee Radford's Castleford Tigers status update after period of absence during pre-season
Tributes pour in after sudden passing of up-and-coming rugby league youngster
St Helens granted World Club Challenge wish after Penrith Panthers stars' holiday sacrifice
Rob Burrow's beautiful tribute to Leeds after being handed freedom of the city
Leeds Rhinos halfback makes Championship switch in enterprising loan deal
