Watson granted testimonial

Ian Watson has been awarded a testimonial by the Rugby League after 18 seasons as a professional.

But Swinton’s assistant player coach says he’s not ready to hang his boots up just yet.

The 35-year-old scrum-half, who holds a record 31 caps for Wales, will launch his testimonial year with a dinner at Buile Hill Park banqueting suite on June 15 and a game as part of the pre-season preparations for the 2013 campaign.

“It’s a real honour to be granted a testimonial and we are going to get things started with the dinner in June,” said Watson.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of my career and playing for Wales has been an absolute pleasure but I still think there is a bit of mileage in the legs and hopefully I can play on for at least another season after this.”

Watson started as an amateur with Eccles and signed professional for Salford back in 1994.

He’s played for Workington, Widnes, Oldham, Halifax and Leigh, and is in his fourth stint with the Lions – the club he supported as a youngster.

He said: “I was at Eccles with Adrian Morley and we both played a game for Leeds Academy against Salford.

“I signed for Salford and Mozza, who was working as an electrician in Leeds, signed for Leeds.”

Watson also works as school sports co-ordinator in Salford schools and is well known to youngsters at St Marks, Worsley, and St Phillips, Holy Family and Lark Hill in Salford, plus many other schools.

For details of the Buile Hill dinner on June 15 contact: Alan Marshall at alanmarshall2@btconnect.com or Ian at watson-i1@sky.com or telephone the club on 0161 794 6150.