Featherstone Rovers make major statement of intent with trio of signings

Featherstone Rovers have made three blockbuster signings ahead of the new season – Adam Cuthbertson, Ryley Jacks and Ben Mathiou.

Cuthbertson, 36, spent six seasons with Leeds before spending the 2021 campaign in the Championship with York.

The Australian forward previously played in the NRL for Manly, Cronulla, St George-Illawarra and Newcastle.

He won two Challenge Cups and two Super League Grand Finals with the Rhinos.

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Cuthbertson said: “The chance to work with Mac again was for me a brilliant opportunity, we’ve got a great  relationship which continued well after our time at Leeds.

“With a passion for performance and coaching it was a no brainer for me when Mac approached me about joining him at Featherstone as a player coach.”

New to the UK

Half-back Jacks has played almost 50 games in the NRL for Gold Coast Titans and Melbourne Storm.

He played for Canada alongside brother Rhys, who went on to play for Toronto Wolfpack.

Jacks said: “I had a discussion with Martin (Vickers) and Brian (McDermott) about a week ago about coming over to play for Featherstone.

“I’ve always wanted to do it (play in the UK). Knowing the story of how Featherstone have come so close in recent years, I really fancied the challenge of teaming up with Joey and the other boys to go that one step further.

“It’s the story that really made me want to come over.” 

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Prop Mathiou, 26, has been playing in the Queensland Cup for Norths Devils.

Mathiou said: “I’m really looking forward to being part of a successful club in the UK.

“Being involved with Featherstone, a club that has a lot of history; has inspired me to want to be a part of the team that works hard to help the club be promoted to Super League.”

Featherstone start the new Championship season live on TV away at York on Monday night.