Rob Butler has gone from ball-boy to professional with the London Broncos.

Just a few years ago he was sitting on the sidelines at Priestfield when the rugby league side used Gillingham’s football stadium for an ‘on the road’ game.

But a fortnight ago the dream to play senior level rugby came true when Butler came off the bench in Broncos’ game against Toronto Wolfpack.

The former St John Fisher School pupil helped them to a 47-16 victory, their fourth win from four at the start of the Championship season.

Butler said: “I was sitting on the side of the pitch watching and at the time I don’t think I was playing any higher than club level.

“You definitely dream that one day it could be you but you never think it could be attainable.”

Butler began playing rugby league with the Medway Dragons, just a few years after their formation, starting as an under-12 before the Broncos came calling.

He joined their academy and spent three years there – two while at sixth form and one while doing part-time work at Morrisons – before getting a professional deal.

“It was nice to make the next step up but I know I have got a lot to prove,” said the 19-year-old, who has now moved to London from his family home in Rochester.

“My family have been there throughout the whole process and when I couldn’t drive, they would take me to up to London.

“It was nice for everyone and exciting for me.”

Read more from Butler in this Thursday's Medway Messenger newspaper.