Matty Beharrell makes League 1 return after stint with local amateur club

League 1 side Hunslet have re-signed experienced half-back Matty Beharrell on a deal for the rest of 2023 after impressing in the community game.

The 29-year-old scored two tries and kicked 17 goals in eight appearances whilst at loan at Hunslet from Dewsbury last season.

Beharrell returned to the amateur game at the start of this year with his local amateur club Hull Dockers, but he has now returned to League 1.

Beharrell said: “It’s great to be back! I trained with the squad earlier this week and it felt as though I’d never been away.

“I hadn’t wanted to leave Hunslet in the first place, it was a funding issue and although I’ve had other offers during the time I’ve been playing for Hull Dockers, I didn’t want to sign for anyone just for the sake of it. It had to feel right, and Hunslet feels right.

“It’s been a great experience with the Dockers. I didn’t expect to be playing for them, they’re local to where I live and I went along just to keep fit, really, but found myself signing.

“The Premier Division of the National Conference League is a high standard, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last few weeks, and I wish them all the best this season and beyond.”

Hunslet boss over the moon to welcome Matty Beharrell back to South Leeds

Beharrell came through the ranks at Hull KR, making a solitary Super League appearance back in 2013.

Since then, he has gone on to make almost 200 career appearances for Newcastle, Swinton, Keighley, Doncaster, Dewsbury and Hunslet.

Hunslet coach Alan Kilshaw said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome back Matty and to officially make him a Hunslet player.

“He had some outstanding performances in difficult circumstances last season, while on loan. We can look forward to seeing him playing in this new-look team, behind a dominant pack and with a strong edge.

“We have some really good, talented young halves but we felt we lacked a general, and some experience in the seven position.

“Matty can not only help us get us over the line in close games, but can also help develop Jake Sweeting, Morgan Punchard and Fraser Stroud. At 29 he is in his prime years, and is an elite half-back at this level.”

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