Manchester Evening News

Devils’ Lawton returns with a ‘point to prove’

- RUGBY LEAGUE By ADAM WHITESIDE

SALFORD Red Devils’ Adam Lawton is looking to ‘prove a point’ as he returns to the Betfred Super League for the first time in four years.

The back-rower broke on to the scene with the Widnes Vikings in 2014, barging his way over for nine tries in 14 appearance­s before moving to Australia.

However, he’s now back in Super League with the Red Devils having signed with the club earlier this month – and says he is hungry to get back to his best.

Lawton said: “I’ve definitely got a point to prove, I have to go that extra yard from the last time I was in Super League.

“I was only 20 when I broke on to the scene with Widnes, so now I’m hoping I’ve matured a little bit and gained a bit more experience to step up to the plate.

“I’m hopeful I can replicate the performanc­es that helped me break through at Widnes and now I’m aiming to take it one better and make a name for myself, once again.”

However, Lawton is aware that his rise to the performanc­es from 2014 won’t come overnight and is working hard in pre-season to get ready for a big season with Salford.

Lawton said: “It’s going to take me a bit of time to get up to speed, there’s no doubting that.

“Our head of strength and conditioni­ng, Greg Brown, is one of the best in the business and all our backroom staff are brilliant so I have every faith they can help me get fit and ready for the 2019 season.”

It’s been a busy off-season so far for Salford. They have secured the services of Jackson Hastings, Joey Lussick and Jansin Turgut following their spells with the club last season as well as bringing in Gil Dudson to bolster the pack.

Lawton said: “We’ve got a very strong forward pack to be fair and they’re very fit, having played regular in Super League over the past few seasons.

“I’m hoping I can get fit and force my way into the side as early as possible.

“I’m just opportunit­y.

“Head coach Ian Watson and director of rugby and operations Ian Blease have taken a chance on me and they’re both fantastic blokes.

“I’m really grateful for the chance and I need to ensure I grasp it with both hands and make the most of it.

“That first tackle is going to be pretty special, I think.”

Salford Red Devils season tickets for the 2019 season are still available to purchase at the AJ Bell Stadium or online via the club’s website. amazed at the

 ??  ??
 ??  ?? Adam Lawton in pre-season training with Salford
Adam Lawton in pre-season training with Salford

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom