AUSTIN EXTENDS STAY WITH LIONS

01 November 2018

The club is delighted to confirm the re-signing of forward Ben Austin on a two-year deal until the end of the 2020 Championship Season.

Swinton Lions are pleased to announce the contract renewal of dynamic front-row forward Ben Austin on a two-year deal.

Ben Austin has put pen to paper with the Lions and has extended his stay for a further two-years with the Club, joining Rhodri Lloyd in committing past the 2019 season.

The Wigan Warriors’ academy product joined Swinton ahead of the 2015 season, making his debut in March of that year against Hemel. The ever-improving forward was also an influential part in the side’s promotion to the Championship following a victory over Keighley Cougars.

The 23-year-old also made history by becoming the first Lion to score on Toronto ground against the Wolfpack in the 2018 Championship season.

Austin is quickly establishing himself as a fan-favourite and a popular front-rower in the League, and looks forward to the upcoming campaign.

“I’m happy to commit the next two-years of my career to such a great and ambitious club,” Austin told swintonlions.rlfc.co.uk.

“This will see me play out my sixth season for the Club and I couldn’t be happier.

“I am looking forward to linking back up with the team and welcoming the new players into the squad. The way Andy Mazey has progressed the Club and helped me out off the field with injuries last year was a massive influence in my decision to stay and be a part of something special.”

“I’M PROUD OF THE PERSON BENNY IS TURNING INTO”

Head Coach Stuart Littler who played with Austin during the 2015 season said:” I’m delighted to get the signature of new proud dad Benny Austin over the line. Congratulations from all at Swinton to Benny and Jade on the birth of Luca. Amazing news.

“I am proud of the person Benny is turning into. Each year he adds a little more responsibility into his decision making and ethos. I have no doubt Luca will have a positive effect on Ben and we will see the best of him in 2019.

“Ben is now moving into his 6th year with us and is keen to see the club develop as much as me. Massive congratulations once more and enjoy the next few weeks with your new family.”

“AN HONEST, COMMITTED AND EXPERIENCED CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYER”

Swinton Lions Chairman Andy Mazey, who concluded negotiations with the player said: “Ben is another of our players who attracted lots of interest and we had to work overtime as he had some very lucrative offers on the table from our rivals both locally and over in
Yorkshire.

“Throughout negotiations Ben always stated he did not want to leave Swinton and that he loved the club so it was a great result to get this one sorted. He’s an honest, committted and experienced Championship middle with bags of talent and his best years still ahead of him for sure. Crucially he is a team player and model professional who is 100% committed to Stuart’s vision and culture which is exactly the kind of attitude we need at this club.

“Ben has just become a father so on behalf of the Swinton Lions family i wish him and his lovely partner Jaide all the best at this special time. We can now all look forward to 2019 safe in the knowledge we have at least one new addition to the junior lions who will be cheering Daddy on I’m sure.”

You can watch Ben and the rest of the Lions with 2019 season tickets now ON SALE. 

CONFIRMED 2019 SQUAD

Ben Austin
Billy Brickhill
Mike Butt 
Joe Digby
Ryan Gray
Frankie Halton
Jack Hansen
Paddy Jones
Rhodri Lloyd
Luke Waterworth
Daley Williams
Chris Worrall