JAMIE ACTON SIGNS FOR THE LIONS
01 February 2019
Swinton Lions can confirm the signing of forward Jamie Acton on one-year deal ahead of the 2019 Betfred Championship season.
Swinton Lions are delighted to announce the signing of powerful forward Jamie Acton for the 2019 Championship season.
Former Super League forward, Jamie Acton joins Swinton Lions for the 2019 Betfred Championship campaign, and adds depth to Stuart Littler’s side.
The 26-year-old joins on a one-year deal, having previously appeared for South Wales Scorpions, Oldham, Workington Town, Leigh Centurions and Sheffield Eagles. He joins the likes of Gavin Bennion, Jose Kenga, Will Hope and Adam Jones in a well-built forward pack by Littler and his staff.
Acton was an influential part of the 2015 and 2016 Championship-winning Leigh side, which included the promotion to the Super League, where he made his first appearance in the top tier against Leeds Rhinos.
On his move, Acton said: “Following a tough year in rugby last year, its fair to say I had lost a bit of faith in the sport and was ready for a break.
“I’ve been busy setting myself up for the future and considering whether I wanted to stay in rugby at all going forward. When Swinton made me the offer of a part time role close to home, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to fall back in love with the sport, whilst also being able to pursue my other business interests.
“After negotiations with Andy Mazey and speaking at length with Rhodri Lloyd and Stuart Littler, I knew the Lions would be a great fit for me. I hope I can help them achieve all they want to this year. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and really look forward to getting stuck in with the lads.”
‘A REALLY SIGNIFICANT SIGNING’
On capturing the forward, Littler commented: “I am delighted to be able to announce a really significant signing for our club.
“I am really excited to get Jamie Acton on board. Having met up with Jamie a couple of times I feel Jamie can only add to what we are aiming to build at Swinton Lions.
“Jamie has had some outstanding performances over the past couple of seasons but has maybe been a little inconsistent due to some unfortunate suspensions.
“After speaking personally to Jamie, I believe he is coming here for all the right reasons. He is already close friends with a couple of our squad.
“We both agreed that we need to see Jamie Acton back enjoying his Rugby League again with a smile upon his face. If we can nurture this, we will have some player on our hands. At the beginning of the season, this signing demonstrates that we will keep striving to move this club forwards. We now have competition for places all over the squad which can only benefit us throughout the upcoming season.
“I’d like to thank the Chairman for making this happen as I know he’s put some hours in with Jamie’s agent to secure this signature.”
‘A BIG NAME AND A BIG GAME PLAYER’
Swinton Lions Chairman Andy Mazey added: “We’ve been in talks for a while with Jamie and his representatives and have kept tabs on the situation and it’s a timely boost to have secured a player of his undoubted calibre.
“Jamie is keen to get back to enjoying the sport again and doing what he does best and only 18-months ago he was Leigh’s best middle in Super League and is still only 26-years of age and fast approaching his prime.
“Jamie is a big name and a big game player and our supporters will love his powerful all action style. Working with Stuart, Allan and our staff within our Super League standard facilities at the AJ Bell, I’ve absolutely no doubt we will get a smile back on his face and knowing first-hand how good Jamie is from my time with Leigh it’s exciting to have him on board here at Swinton.
“Make no mistake, this is yet another major coup for Swinton Lions and should further demonstrate our ambition to consolidate our position in the Championship while continuing to move the club forward sustainably on and off the pitch.
“Welcome to the Lions family Jamie, Rachael and family!”
Swinton Lions make the journey to Olympic Legacy Park to face Sheffield Eagles in the opening round of the 2019 Championship season, before hosting Bradford Bulls at Heywood Road.
