Atkin leaves cash-strapped Swinton
SWINTON’S financial woes will see star playmaker Chris Atkin leave the club earlier than anticipated to join Hull KR.
The 24-year-old had agreed to move to the current leaders of the Kingstone Press Championship ahead of the 2018 season.
But with the Lions in dire need of financial investment, an agreement has been reached that is expected to see the Robins stump up a five-figure fee in order to have Atkin join them ahead of the Super 8 Qualifiers. The deal has not yet been confirmed by either club, but the halfback posted a farewell message on social media after Swinton’s defeat to Rochdale at the weekend - his 100th game in a Lions jersey. He scored a try and kicked six goals in the narrow loss to the Hornets.
“Bit of a strange feeling knowing that yesterday was my final game for Swinton,” said Atkin on Monday.
“Can’t thank the players, coaching staff or fans enough for their support. It’s been an amazing four years at the club and gutted with how things have turned out, but time to move on to a new challenge.”
Meanwhile, Warrington forward Andre Savelio has agreed a two-year deal with Brisbane Broncos, where he will link up with England coach Wayne Bennett at the end of the Super League season.
“I have spoken to Brisbane a few times and I just thought now was the time as I feel more than ready to do it,” said the St Helens youth product.
“A lot of English forwards have done well in the NRL, so it was always something I had thought about.”