Swinton add four more

Swinton have increased their squad size to 19, with the addition of four new players.

Lions coach Ian Watson has agreed terms with Freddie Walker and Joe Worthington while partnership club Warrington have signed over Jacque Peet and Andy Ackers for the season.

“Training has been going really well and with the addition of these four lads we are getting into good shape for the start of the season next month,” said Watson.

Walker, 21, is a full-back or winger who came through the Huddersfield academy and played for Halifax last season.

“Freddie was understudy to Ryan Fieldhouse last season but the trouble was Ryan didn’t miss that many games,” said Watson.

“When he did play against Oxford in the Cup he was man of the match. He’s a talented youngster and has been brilliant in training.”

Worthington, 22, plays on the wing or in the centres and was part of the Castleford academy system.

“I went to watch him a couple of years ago playing for Huddersfield Underbank and recommended him to Steve McCormack who was coach at that time,” said Watson.

“Cas offered him an under-20s contract but it did not work out. He has also been at Sheffield but now he has come to us.”

Peet and Ackers have joined from Warrington under the same kind of agreement that Jack Morrison played for Swinton last season.

Peet, 19, is a centre or second row and was Warrington Under-19’s player of the year last season. He scored a try in Warrington first team’s Christmas friendly against Widnes.

Watson said: “I watched him play a few times last season and he is a really good player.

“He’s in the same mould as Darren Hawkyard but not as developed, although he’s a tough kid.”

Ackers, 21, is a hooker and was also in the Warrington squad for the Widnes friendly.

Watson said: “He is very good defensively and smart around the ruck.”