Halifax forward joins fellow Championship club on loan

Swinton have signed young forward Ben Forster on an initial two-week loan deal from fellow Championship side Halifax.

Forster is yet to make his debut for the Panthers since arriving from League 1 side Rochdale in the off-season.

The 21-year-old back-rower made 37 appearances for Rochdale over the last two seasons.

Halifax coach Simon Grix said: “Foz needs some championship experience and this is a good opportunity for him.

“Obviously, we haven’t seen anything of Foz yet as a fanbase if you like. When he came in, he’s a big body and someone to develop and could be something in the future.

“From where he was on day one with us, to where he was at Christmas, he’s improved tenfold and keeps steadily improving.

“What’s hindering that improvement is playing on a regular basis. He’s played a couple of reserve games at Castleford and done ok but he needs to dip his toe in at Championship level.”

Halifax’s Ben Forster bolsters Swinton squad

Forster will go straight into contention for the Lions’ trip to London Broncos on Sunday.

Grix added: “He had a good season last year at Rochdale in League 1 but he needs to experience the Championship.

“At the moment, he’s got a couple of experienced back rowers in front of him who happen to be in good form so he’s got a challenge for a spot and that’s something we’ll just keep helping him with.

“I do believe he’s got the ability to play Championship but I think he needs to go and experience it. It’s a bit faster than League 1 games and it’s certainly faster and a better standard than reserve games are at present so it’ll be good for him.

“Hopefully he gets a couple of games out of that, he’ll be well looked after at Swinton and we’ll be keeping a close eye to see how he goes.”

Meanwhile, Swinton have loaned full-back Joey Romeo and forward Morgan Burgess to League 1 side Midlands Hurricanes on one-month loan deals.

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