Houston signing not a problem for Hawks

Hunslet have re-signed forward James Houston from York City Knights on a one-year deal.

Houston, 29, previously spent two years with the Hawks, making 46 appearances, before leaving to move to York at the end of 2011.

Director of Rugby Darren Williams said: “James is a player we rate highly; he can play long minutes, gives us versatility options between front and back row and is a very solid defender.

“He jumped at the chance to rejoin the club, he’s a model professional and wants to put his injury curtailed year behind him, like alot of the players who left the club only to return they realise that the grass is not always greener on the other side and were thrilled to add him to our squad for 2013 which is certainly taking shape with competition for places in abundance with a mixture of youth and experience.”

The Hawks have also handed a 12-month contract extension to former Huddersfield full-back Elliot Hodgson, as they look to target a play-off place in the Championship in 2013.