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3 weeks ago
16 July 2020
Swinton Lions are delighted to announce that local hero Will Hope has agreed a new one-year deal with the club for the 2021 season.
Swinton supporters will be delighted by the news that our local hero and vice-captain, Will Hope, has put pen to paper to stay with the Lions until at least the end of the 2021 season.
As we all know Will suffered a horrendous injury early in 2019, but it’s been a mark of his courage and fortitude to see him come storming back to full fitness in the way that he has. Prior to lockdown he notched up his 100th career appearance, and he will be looking to significantly add to that total in a Swinton shirt.
Will said, “I am absolutely delighted to take up my third year option with the Lions. I am really happy here and haven’t thought about being anywhere else. In fact as a local lad I’m extremely proud to represent Swinton Lions.
It’s a brilliant club, and one that is run properly by a good Board. I class everyone at the club, players, staff and directors, as good friends. I can’t thank Stuart and the rest of the coaching staff enough for believing in me after the little set-back that I had back in 2019, but that’s behind me now and I’m looking forwards with excitement more than ever.
I believe the Lions can have great and successful year in 2021, and I’m sure our fans will stick right behind us as always and have an enjoyable season. Bring it on!”
Watch Will Hope’s two tries in our Challenge Cup victory over Leigh Miners Rangers in February.
🏉 TRY TIME | The Lions progressed to tonight’s @TheChallengeCup fifth- round draw by beat @leighminersrl. 🏆🦁
Unfortunately @Buttayy was too quick for our cameraman, who missed his first try! 🤦♂️
Enjoy the other 10 tries here though👇 pic.twitter.com/u6q9AZcPko
— Swinton Lions RLFC (@Swinton_Lions) February 24, 2020
Head Coach Stuart Littler was also thrilled with the news. He said, “It’s another real boost for us as a club to see the re-signing of Will Hope, who has taken up the option of a contract extension with us for 2021.
Will has been outstanding since he joined the Lions and he is a player I have a lot of trust in. He is our vice-captain and has a real presence within our team. Will is very consistent in his performances and I honestly cannot remember the last time he had a bad game.
Will has shown great drive and determination to come through a testing time following a terrible injury, and just pre-lockdown he was back to his brilliant best.
He was playing big minutes and tidying up for the team all over the park. Some of Will’s great work can often go unnoticed, but I know for a fact that it’s greatly appreciated by every one of his team mates. This is another significant contractual boost for our squad and one that everyone associated with the club will be delighted to see secured.
SQUAD NUMBER : 13
Swinton Stats: Heritage Number 1264; Appearances: 23 (+1 Sub); Tries: 5; Points: 20
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Folly Lane ARLFC, Salford Red Devils, Oldham, Sheffield Eagles.