GETTING TO KNOW – PADDY JONES

14 July 2018

One of Swinton’s latest recruits, Paddy Jones sits down for a Q and A session for swintonlionsrlfc.co.uk.

In the newest addition to the Lions website, we asked one of the latest recruits Paddy Jones a few questions about Swinton’s season. settling into the side and what he enjoys doing away from rugby league.

Second-rower Paddy Jones joined Swinton at the end of June, on a deal that will see him remain a Lion until the remainder of the 2018 season.

The Wigan Warriors academy product made his debut for Stuart Littler’s side against Dewsbury Rams, featuring again against Rochdale, picking up the fans’ vote for Man of the Match and crossing the whitewash on just his second appearance.

Quickly establishing himself as a fan’s favourite, we asked Paddy a few questions about the remainder of the season…

Obviously your trial with the club was a success, but how did you find your trial personally?

“I enjoyed it. The lads made me feel welcome, I knew a couple before and the lads I didn’t know made me feel a part of the team. It was good test and I enjoyed it.”

Two games in, including the win over Dewsbury. How are you settling into the side?

“They’re a great set of lads. They all look after each other and work for each other and I couldn’t ask for much more. It’s a good environment to be in and we want to push on and get success. Training is good, we’re working hard on various areas to progress and push on. The lads are working hard in training and we are trying to put that into the games.”

Do you and the team believe that the side can push on and avoid the relegation drop?

“Yes, I do. I’ve seen all the lads working hard and putting the graft in. They know what to do and all the coaching staff are putting everything into it. I believe it will come good.”

A big game against Featherstone Rovers this weekend. A fixture you’re looking forward to?

“It’s a perfect opportunity to prove a point. They’re a good side and looking for top four spot. If we do well against them it sends a message to other teams around us that we are pushing forward.”

How did you find your time with Villeneuve in Elite One in France?

“I spent six months over there, it was good, but I couldn’t speak French and they couldn’t understand scouse. I enjoyed my time there. It’s a different environment and weird to describe it, as they’re relaxed and laid back. It was an eye opener.”

Man of the match winner on social media from our Rochdale trip. Nice personal touch, but a tough one in the changing rooms no doubt?

“It was a nice touch. Second game in and I want to carry on and do my best every week. The changing rooms were flat and it was horrible but we got back into training Tuesday and the lads know we have to push on and push further. We’ve had a good week and then game day on Sunday to correct what we did wrong. All the lads have said lose together, learn together. We don’t want to be on the wrong side. It’s a young side and all the lads are learning, it’s a good learning experience.”

Now, a few questions about you…

What is your Favourite film?

“I’m a big fan of kids films, so one choice would be Toy Story. On the other hand, Gladiator with Russell Crowe.”

Last meal on earth?

“Rib-eye steak, cooked rare, with chips and peppercorn sauce. Nice and simple.”

Most embarrassing song on your playlist?

“Beyoncé is up there.”

Dream holiday?

“French Polynesia Islands.”

What do you enjoy doing in spare time?

“I like watching the football. I always have since a kid, I’ve always played footy since a young age.”

FAN QUESTIONS

Mark Stevens asks; How hard has it been coming in half way through the season then putting in big minutes in your two appearances?

“I haven’t played two-to-three months so it was tough. The lads made me feel welcome in training and Stuart prepared me for it and I came to the club being nervous but everyone around me has helped.”

Peter Taylor asks; How do you see the rest of our season going and how strong is the team bond?

“I think we’ll stay up. I think we’ve shown in games so far we are capable. A couple of results could have gone either way. We have to push on and stay up to be a successful season. The team bond is great and I have a laugh with them. I knew a couple lads already but the lads that I didn’t made me feel welcome. They’re a good group of lads to be around.”

Peter Taylor also asks; What do you feel about wearing this wonderful Lions shirt and what do you hope to bring to the team?

“It’s good and I obviously like the team. It’s a good set of lads. What I want to bring is  my best every time. I want the team to want me to be there. I want to make a statement to the team and the fans and perform my best every day.”

Paddy Jones was speaking to Swinton Lions’ Josh McAllister for swintonlionsrlfc.co.uk

You can watch Paddy Jones and the rest of the team in action as Swinton Lions host Featherstone Rovers this Sunday 15th July at Heywood Road, 1:30pm kick off. Tickets are available on the gate priced at £18 for adults, £13 for concessions and juniors have FREE admission.

The club welcomes you to join us for an ‘all you can eat’ breakfast at Heywood Road from 11:30am ahead of the game and encourages you to stay around after the conclusion of the Championship clash for the World Cup final, set for a 4pm kick-off.