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BENNION SIGNS CONTRACT EXTENSION

03 July 2019

Gavin Bennion has signed a new deal with the Lions.

Swinton Lions are delighted to announce the re-signing of Gavin Bennion until the end of the 2020 season.

The Wales international has been a stand-out forward in the competition this year and will remain in the Swinton colours until at least the end of 2020.

Bennion received attention from elsewhere but admitted the playing group attracted him to stay.

“I’m really happy to be staying with the Lions for the 2020 season”, Bennion said.

“It was an easy decision as the club have been so good to me and have looked after me very well this year, making it an enjoyable club to play for.

“I’ve enjoyed my rugby probaly the most I ever have this year as the group of lads we have is something special.

“We are a really close group of young lads and all work hard for each other and have each others backs.

“I would like to thank the coaching staff, chairman and board for wanting me to be a part of the club moving forward.”

On the recruitment, Head Coach Stuart Littler said: “I am delighted to announce the re-signing of our influential prop forward Gavin Bennion.

“Gavin has been pivotal to everything we are about this year. He is a player who we chased hard last pre-season after his successful loan period with us in 2018.

“Over the season, Gavin has got better and better and is playing with a smile on his face and a high level of confidence.

“Gavin’s minutes as a middle would compare well with any other middle within this competition as he does big spells consistently week after week. His spells are full of quality and he has become a real key performer in our ever improving side.

“I am delighted for everyone at the club that he has decided to stay. I am also sure the fans will be delighted with this announcement.”

Bennion has won the Swinton Lions Player of the Month on two occasions, as well as an inclusion in Rugby League World’s Championship Team of the Month this season.

https://twitter.com/WalesRugbyL/status/1133982527788593153

“It’s a big statement to extend the contract of a player of Gavin’s calibre for our club,” added chairman Andy Mazey.

“We worked extremely hard to bring Gavin to the club last year and have worked even harder to keep him on this journey with us.

“He has been outstanding this season and it hasn’t gone unnoticed as he’s been the subject of a number of enquiries from over the last couple of months.

“I recently fielded a call from a CEO of a Super League club wanting to sign him with immediate effect so the fact he’s not only still here but signing a new contract should hopefully demonstrate to our supporters that this club is now under strong management and we are working extremely hard to find an exciting new direction which will enable us to retain our best talent and build on our progress of the last two years.

“I’d like to thank Gavin’s agent, Kevin Bateman at PFSM Sports Management, who has helped to get this deal over the line. I’d also like to give a special mention to Tony Sheridan and our club partner’s Supro for the support which has enabled us to get this deal over the line.”

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