Watson backs new signing Menzies

Ian Watson reckons his latest signing Luke Menzies will become a leader in the Swinton dressing room.

Menzies, 25, has joined the Lions from Hunslet after playing for his home town side Batley and Super League Hull KR in 2008.

The 6ft 1ins, 16st 9lbs prop was offered a contract at Widnes, where he has been on trial, but chose to join Swinton

“He has already had a big impact on the squad and that’s just in training,” said player-coach Watson.

“He is always talking to the other players and helping them along.

“Take Zach Johnson for example. He’s a young prop who has joined us from the amateur game and Luke has taken him under his wing.

“He’s paired up with Zach and is constantly talking to him, to get him up and running after taking the step up.

“Luke is a real professional who has got great knowledge of the game.

“He was on trial at Widnes and I went to watch him play last month in their friendly game against Warrington.

“He likes to go forward and help the team get on the front foot. Widnes actually offered him a contract but he chose to come to us.”

Menzies joins Johnson, Danny Halliwell, Anthony Bowman and Johnny Brown as one of five new faces in the Lions squad