Capture of Smith will boost Lions’ bite
SWINTON coach Stuart Littler has bolstered his side’s attacking options with the signing of highly-rated young half-back Harry Smith.
The England Academy international has joined on a one-month loan deal from dual-registration partners Wigan, where he was part of the 2018 Academy Grand Final-winning team.
“Harry is a player of exceptional talent who has just starred for England Academy in their recent test series victory against Australia,” said Littler. “Harry is at the start of what is expected to be a successful, professional career and we aim to assist with his development while with us a Swinton Lions.”
Smith goes straight into contention for the club’s home opener against Bradford, but Littler will be without fellow new arrival Jamie Acton, who continues to serve a suspension relating to his time with Leigh, and Will Hope after his horrendous injury against Sheffield.
Leigh head to Halifax and have made two changes to their travelling squad from the home win over Toulouse, as Oliver Russell and Andy Bracek have been replaced by Mitch Cox and Nick Gregson.
“Nick Gregson and Mitch Cox both deserve their place in the squad,” said Centurions boss John Duffy. “Nick has been working hard to get back to full fitness after an operation in the winter and is building up his strength and raring to go.
“Mitch has been outstanding in the strength and conditioning element of pre-season and has regularly come straight into a session off the back of a night shift and smashed it.”
Rochdale host Toronto tomorrow afternoon and coach Carl Forster will have Adam Lawton available after he joined Hornets on loan from Salford Red Devils earlier this week.
Oldham have another week to wait until the start of the Betfred League 1 season.