Featherstone sign Matt James

Featherstone have signed prop Matt James from local rivals Wakefield on a two-year deal.

James, 25, will replace retired captain Stuart Dickens, who ironically has recently left Rovers to take up a coaching role with the Wildcats.

Head Coach Daryl Powell said: “Having lost Stuart Dickens to retirement, our priority signing was a prop forward to replace him. We have managed to sign a player of undoubted quality who I am positive will become a fans favourite with his all action style of play. 

“He is a tough, uncompromising player who carries the ball exceptionally well and defends in an aggressive way. Matt will be with us for the next two years which gives him and the team excellent continuity.”

James started his professional career with Bradford, making 27 appearances for the Bulls, before moving on to Harlequins in 2010.

He spent time on loan at Barrow before joining hometown club Wakefield at the start of last season, making five appearances for the Wildcats in a season in which he also spent time on loan at Halifax.

He said: “I am really looking forward to joining Featherstone Rovers and working under the expert coaching skills of Daryl Powell. Although I had one year still to run on my Wakefield Trinity Wildcats contract, the opportunity to play on a more regular basis with Featherstone Rovers will enable me to improve and develop as a player and hopefully I can help the club achieve their ambition of reaching Super League.”