Swinton announce bulk of squad for 2015

Swinton coach John Duffy has revealed the bulk of his squad for 2015, which includes several new faces.

Ireland international Stuart Littler and Scotland international forward Iain Morrison head the list of new signings, which also include Leigh Under 20s Grand Final winning captain and half-back Matt Pendlebury.

High-profile retainees include prolific point scoring centre Mick Nanyn, long-serving pair Ritchie and Darren Hawkyard and prop Mike Morrison, who scooped four awards at the club’s end of season presentation night.

Duffy told the club’s official website: “It has been a really busy September month for the club, planning and signing up our new squad. After the problems last year I wanted to have my squad signed up as early as possible so that we can focus on a full pre season. 

“As you can see we have a fantastic blend of youth and experience in the squad and we will be adding more new faces in the coming weeks. I would like to thank the board for all their help and guidance throughout and I am really excited about taking the club in a new direction.”

Other faces returning to Swinton for 2015 are Dale Cunniffe, Andy Ackers, Lewis Hulme, Chris Atkin and Ed Barber.

Wingers Shaun Robinson and Callum Hughes join from Dewsbury and Halifax respectively.

Half-back Ben White, who has spent some time on loan at Gloucestershire All Golds, joins from Leeds, and full-back Harry Aaronson arrives from the Huddersfield academy.

Chris Rothwell and Andrew Ball join from Ashton Bears.

Club director John Roddy added: “The board have been very keen to provide John with all resources possible to secure the services of our new squad.

“We do not intend to dwell on issues which affected us last season, we are now completely focused on 2015 and having the best squad available to us, ensuring that both on and off the pitch we are fully prepared for what will be a tough season ahead.”