Featherstone move for Dewsbury pair

Championship winners Featherstone have strengthened their squad for 2012 with the capture of forwards James Lockwood and Anthony England from Dewsbury.

Prop Lockwood, 25, will look to fill the void left by Tony Tonks, who recently signed a Super League deal with Huddersfield.

Head Coach Daryl Powell said: “James fits the template of what I’m trying to work towards with our forwards. I’ve been following his career for a while. I tried to sign him last year, but he was committed to the Rams.

“He’ll be fantastic for us. He’s the kind of player that fans love; committed and brave. He’s from the local area having started out at Sharlston Rovers.”

England is a product of the Castleford academy and spent time at Gateshead before moving on to the Rams.

Powell added: “Anthony is a big robust prop forward who will add real go forward to our game. He who will give us punch around the rucks. He’s tough and dedicated. He won’t take a backward step with and without the ball which will be the hallmark of our pack for the coming season.”