Hurricanes sign prolific halfback Benn Hardcastle

Midlands Hurricanes have announced the signing of halfback Benn Hardcastle for the 2022 season.

Hardcastle has been without a club after being released by Keighley Cougars at the end of the 2020 season. He scored 422 points in two seasons for the Cougars.

Before then, the 28-year-old represented Newcastle Thunder and York City Knights.

He will line up alongside centre Matty Welham again. The pair were together at the Cougars, and departed at the same time.

Hardcastle impressed with Midlands ambition

Speaking to the club website, Hardcastle said: “I’d kept in contact with Matty Welham who I played at Keighley with and he had nothing but good things to say about the club as a whole.

“Coventry were an expansion club and have shown great improvement over the years and with the rebrand I wanted to be a part of something new.

“In 2021 the team was competitive, but I think they lacked in a bit of consistency and I feel it’s something that I can bring to the team and help achieve that.

“I’ve had a year out from the game and that is a year too long. I am excited to get back on the field, play some good rugby and hopefully help the team push for the play-offs in 2022.”

Head Coach Richard Squires added: “I’m over the moon to welcome Benn on board this year, he will bring a whole new dimension to our game.

“He knows how to score points and has done it with ease all his career. His ability to take the team around the field will allow our other threat players to do what they do best.

“The break he had away from the game has allowed his body to take a rest but he’s got the bug back which is only going to be a huge positive for both himself and others around him.

“Benn won’t only be valuable on the field but his role at Hull Kingston Rovers and knowledge within the community game will only add to what we are all doing to grow the game in the region.”

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