St Helens swoop for sought-after Championship star
Photo: John Clifton/SWpix
Super League champions St Helens have signed prolific try-scorer Tee Ritson from Championship side Barrow on a season-long loan, with a view to make the move permanent.
Saints have won the race for the 26-year-old winger, who attracted interest from several Super League clubs after scoring 70 tries in 73 appearances for Barrow.
Ritson said: “There was a bit of interest from other clubs, but as soon as a team like St Helens came knocking, I had my eyes set on them.
“It was a no-brainer for me personally. I was absolutely overwhelmed.
“It also gives you a lot of confidence because a team of that calibre has shown that confidence in you as well.
“It took a while to sink in, but pre-season is only around the corner now. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it.
“I’ve been training on my own and trying to keep myself fit in the off-season.
“That overwhelming feeling has changed into excitement now, and I’m really buzzing to get started.”
Super League move a dream come true, says Tee Ritson
The Thailand-born speedster started his career with Workington. He scored 12 tries in 39 games for the Cumbrian club over four seasons.
Ritson then moved to Newcastle Thunder for the 2018 campaign, scoring 18 tries in 22 appearances.
But it was in his hometown of Barrow where he really came into his own, ending his time at the Raiders with a ratio of almost one try per game.
“It’s an absolute dream come true for me personally,” Ritson said of his Super League move.
“It’s been an ambition of mine to play at the top level. Now I’ve got the chance to do that.
“I think that being at a club like Saints, with the wealth of knowledge there and experience of all their players, I’m only going to grow and improve.
“I know I’m far from the finished product, but being in their environment is only going to benefit me as a player.
“Hopefully I can really put my name out there.”
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