Lawton signs for Devils on return
SALFORD have won the race to bring Adam Lawton back to professional rugby league.
The highly-skilled back-rower enjoyed a breakthrough 2014 season with Widnes Vikings, scoring nine tries in 15 Super League appearances before taking an extended sabbatical and moving to Australia.
During his time Down Under, Lawton played with Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland Cup competition.
After returning to the UK, the 25-yearold featured for amateur side West Bank Bears last year and launched a scramble for his signature when he signalled his intentions to return to the professional game.
It had been thought that Lawton would return to former club Widnes, but Salford moved quickly to secure a deal.
“Signing Adam is really exciting for us here at Salford Red Devils,” said coach Ian Watson. “I’m really looking forward to working with him.
“I believe in our team environment here at Salford, we will see Adam back to his best.
“Adam adds something different to our current squad with his size and footballing ability.
“He will be a big asset to our squad for the 2019 season.”
Lawton added: “I’m really excited to get back into a professional environment here at Salford.
“I’m also grateful to Salford, Ian Watson and Ian Blease for giving me an opportunity to showcase what I’m all about in the Betfred Super League.
“2019 is all about proving myself and getting back to the performances I displayed a few years ago.”
Meanwhile, Salford will face Hull KR on the second day of Magic Weekend next year. The two-day bonanza has been moved to Anfield for 2019, with the Red Devils playing on Sunday, May 26 at 1pm.
Elsewhere, Oldham have confirmed former Swinton Lions utility Anthony Bowman has signed with Roughyeds for the 2019 season after returning from Australia.
Oldham, Swinton and Rochdale will all have the chance to play at Wembley next year after the RFL announced the launch of a new knockout competition - the 1895 Cup – the final of which will be played at the National Stadium on the same day as the Challenge Cup final.
The RFL have also signed a deal until 2027 with Wembley to host the final of the Challenge Cup there, although from 2020 it will have a new July date.
“With the 1895 Cup, we want to recognise the contribution of our non-Super League clubs to the game’s history since its founding as the Northern Union 123 years ago - and provide an exciting new chance for their players and supporters to taste the magic of Wembley,” said RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer.