St Helens pair sign Swinton deal

Swinton have signed promising young pack stars Carl Forster and Scott Hale from St Helens on dual registration.

The two players have both played for Saints first team and go straight into the Lions’ 17-man squad at Sheffield Eagles on Sunday

Prop Forster, 19, and back row Hale, 20, both made their first team debuts last season.

Swinton coach Steve McCormack said: “We are delighted with these two lads who are both in St Helens top 25 squad.

“We have a good relationship with Saints and last year we had Warren Thompson and he did really well for us.

“We have been a bit short of numbers and quality in our front row and these two have come at a really good time for us.

“Both are thought really highly of by St Helens coach Royce Simmons.

“Carl is a big front rower who has played for England and Scott has played quite a few times in Saints back row.

“They are just the type of players we are looking for and have been in a very good environment.

“They have a lot to prove because their aim is the get in the Saints first team on a regular basis. If they play well for us they will eventually do that.

“Both St Helens and ourselves are really happy with the arrangements.”

Swinton have a full squad to select from for Sunday’s game at Sheffield.

“We’ve got good competition for places and there are going to be some very good players missing out,” said McCormack.