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GRAY EXTENDS STAY WITH LIONS

19 October 2018

The club is delighted to confirm the contract extension of utility back Ryan Gray for the 2019 season.

Gray made his debut against his hometown team, Leigh Centurions in the Championship Shield

Talented utility back Ryan Gray has extended his stay with the Swinton Lions for the 2019 Championship season.

Gray joined the Lions during the mid-2018 season on a professional contract from partners Leigh East ARLFC.

The young back played a handful of games in 2018, including the Play-Off fixture against Workington Town for the last spot in the 2019 Championship campaign. He has also represented his country on the England Lions’ tour to Canada in 2016.

On the decision, Gray explained: “I’m loving my time here at Swinton and I am happy to have signed for the 2019 season. I can’t wait to work under Stuart and his staff again along side all the lads.”

“HE’S A PLAYER WHO’S ONLY GOING TO GET BETTER”

Stuart Littler, who has enjoyed the challenge of developing young players in 2018, added: “Ryan is a player who I have helped to develop over the past few years in conjunction with the Wigan and Leigh college rugby team.

“He played his junior football at Leigh East club and we also thank them for their help in Ryan’s development both as a person but more importantly as a human being.

“Ryan has really bought into the ethos I would like to build at our Club and he is a player who is only going to get better. He strives to get better and is keen to learn all the time.

“Last week, I challenged him to bring me what Mike Butt brings in his absence and I thought he really stood up to the challenge and had a great game.

“Ryan comes from a close family that support him through thick and thin. If Ryan continues with his development rate we will have some player on our books.”

Ryan Gray becomes the second player to extend his stay with the Lions, following Welsh international Rhodri Lloyd, who agreed to a new two-year deal.

“HIS ATTITUDE HAS BEEN FIRST CLASS”

“I’m very pleased that Ryan has put pen to paper and will be with us in 2019,” Chairman Andy Mazey added.

“His attitude has been first class and he really buys into what Stuart and our staff are looking for in terms of our culture moving forward.

“Ryan has made a big step up from National Conference League Two however he has not looked out of place one bit when called upon. I’m excited to see what lies ahead for this talented young man.”

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