Rayner returns to Hunslet in swap deal

Hunslet have re-signed former fans favourite George Rayner from Keighley in a swap deal with Tom Sheldrake.

Rayner, 29, returns to the Hawks after spells with York and the Cougars, while Sheldrake has now completed a permanent move to Cougar Park having spent a spell on loan with Barry Eaton‘s side.

Hunslet Director of Rugby Darren Williams said “We are thrilled to be able to add George to our squad for the Championship 1 climax, he is a proven finisher with pace to burn and also provides some useful cover as a utility back.”
 
Rayner said: “I am over the moon to return to what I class as home, the travelling to Keighley was getting me down and I have hankered over a return to the Hawks for a while now as the club has shown huge improvements since my previous spell. My short term goal is to help the club achieve automatic promotion and then earn myself a contract with the club for 2011, I know I will have to work extremely hard to get into the side and I cannot wait to get started.”
 
Williams added “I would like to thank Barry Eaton & Keighley Cougars for their co-operation in this deal and wish Tom all the best at the Cougars.”
 
Meanwhile, the Hawks have released two of their longest serving players in Darren Robinson and Stuart Young.
 
Williams said: “Darren & Stuart have been superb servants to this club for a number of years and both have got us through some very difficult times but they were becoming increasingly frustrated at their lack of first team opportunities and so reluctantly we agreed to their release. I am not too sure of their future plans but wish them every success in what they decide to do.”