Thackeray and Day sign for Featherstone

Featherstone Rovers have signed two players, as the club looks to rebuild its squad for the 2016 season.

Anthony Thackeray, a half-back, and Sam Day, a hooker, have inked deals for Rovers.

Thackeray, 29, joins from Desbury Rams, and he is looking forward to working under coach Jon Sharp at Fev, after signing a three-year deal.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Dewsbury but this move will give me the opportunity to combine my playing career with community work at the same club which I think will have a significant benefit all round,” he said.

“Jon Sharp and Mark Campbell are putting together an exciting squad and I hope to play my part in ensuring the team has a successful 2016.

“I’ve worked in the community departments at Hull FC and Widnes Vikings and I’m keen to continue this with the Rovers’ Foundation.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to work in these environments and as well as developing young talent I also hope to be able to encourage more youngsters to come to the matches.”

Day, 21, made his first-team debut earlier in 2015, and is a product of the Featherstone youth system.

“I enjoyed last season and it was great feeling to be able to pull on a first team shirt having progressed through the ranks at Featherstone,” he said.

“The trip to Catalans has to be my highlight of the season, especially going over for a try and I can’t wait to get back into training and look to improve even further in 2016.”

Rovers coach Jon Sharp feels both players will add some of the quality he needs to make progress at the club.

“‘Thacks’ is one of the players to impress against us in 2015 and will add a new dimension to our attack,” he said.

“He is a player who the opposition knows can strike from anywhere and even if they keep a close eye on him it will leave space for our other creative players to take advantage.

“He is also a player who is well regarded by his peers and this has also been an aid to recruitment.

“Sam is one of a crop of young players I’ve been impressed with since I joined the club and he has certainly taken his chance when called upon last season.

“With Andy Ellis taking a year out to concentrate on his studies Sam has an opportunity to stake a claim for a regular place in the 17.”