LUKE Single is one of the longest serving members of the St Pat’s Rugby League Club, but his run with the blue and whites has come to an end with a move to Newcastle.

The front rower will play for the Western Suburbs Rosellas in the 2015 Newcastle Rugby League competition after spending just shy of two decades with the Saints in Group 10.

Single is also studying IT at the University of Newcastle and when the opportunity came to join the most successful club in the Newcastle competition, it wasn’t a chance he was going to pass up.

Single was in talks about the move in November and on Monday made the trip to Newcastle to begin training with his new club.

The forward has some good memories from his time at the Bathurst club, but is keen to write some new ones with the Rosellas.

“I’ve been at Pat’s since I was five-years-old, so I’ve been there 18 years. It’s been a really great time and the club has been great to me,” he said.

“Winning the under 18s final was definitely up there and obviously last year’s win with first grade was great. Hopefully I can end up with Pat’s again at some stage in my career.”

Single’s most memorable moments for Pat’s last year came during the finals series.

He crossed for a determined try under the posts when down 28-18 to spark Pat’s miraculous preliminary final win over the Mudgee Dragons in the dying minutes of the match.

In the grand final he then scored when his Saints were leading 26-12 to virtually seal the Group 10 premier league title for his club and give himself the perfect farewell present.

Single is hoping to make the most of his time at the Rosellas, but refused to scratch Bathurst off his radar.

“It was very handy that both offers came around the same time,” Single said.

“I’ll be there again as a front rower. I’ll be playing things by ear, but I’m hoping to be up there for the full four years of my course. 

“It’s a great club and everyone up there seems really nice. They’ve also got a lot of former NRL professionals working up there like Andrew Ryan as their skills co-ordinator.”

Single joins the club during one of their most dominant periods, having taken out the last three straight grand finals and the last two as minor premiers.

The Rosellas boast 22 premierships overall, 10 more than nearest rivals Maitland.

Pat’s coach Kurt Hancock is disappointed to lose a key part of his front row but happy to see Single advance his playing career.

“He’s a front rower that played good minutes, one who also knew how to find the try line. He’s moving to a very professional club, one that’s going to help bring the best out of him,” he said.

“This will take his game to a new level. Being down there with so many other good players around him will only help further his football education.”