Hull KR forward Frankie Halton returns to his hometown club
Photo: Mark Cosgrove/News Images
Leigh have signed Ireland international forward Frankie Halton on a two and a half-year deal from Hull KR with immediate effect.
The 26-year-old forward played his junior rugby for Leigh Miners Rangers before joining Leigh’s reserve team.
After Leigh’s reserve team was discontinued several years ago, he went back to playing for Miners for a couple of seasons in the community game before getting a shot in the professional ranks with Swinton.
Halton made 29 appearances for Swinton before getting picked up by Featherstone ahead of the 2021 campaign. He enjoyed a standout season in the Championship with Rovers in 2021, which saw him earn his first full-time opportunity with Hull KR.
The Ireland international has since played 27 games for the Robins, but fell down the pecking order in Willie Peters’ side this term.
He has now returned to his hometown club Leigh, where he will represent his boyhood club in the senior team for the first time.
Halton tweeted: “Just wanted to say thanks to Hull KR for giving me the opportunity, great club and fans. All the best for the future.
“Really excited at the opportunity at the new challenge and opportunity at Leigh Leopards. Can’t wait to get back to my hometown club and get going.”
His former club, Leigh Miners Rangers, tweeted: “All the best Frankie Halton, be great to see you in a Leigh shirt again.”
Frankie Halton departs Hull KR with club’s best wishes
Hull KR coach Willie Peters said: “Frankie came to me a few weeks back to request his release.
“After internal discussions, we have decided Frankie’s release was the best outcome for him and the club moving forward.
“I would like to wish Frankie all the best in the future and thank him for his contribution to the club.”
Halton has made 84 career appearances, scoring 20 tries. He represented Ireland at last year’s World Cup.
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