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OSCAR THOMAS SIGNS FOR THE LIONS

11 December 2018

The club is delighted to announce the signing of half-back Oscar Thomas on a two-year deal for the 2019 Betfred Championship season.

Swinton Lions are delighted to confirm that former Super League stand-off Oscar Thomas has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal with the club for the 2019 Betfred Championship season. 

A creative half-back with blistering pace and fine kicking game, Thomas adds much quality and experience to the Swinton back-line and moves to Heywood Road after a successful season with Sheffield Eagles in 2018, where he scored three tries and 22 conversions in 18 appearances.

Also adept at playing stand-off or scrum-half, the 24-year-old started out in 2013 at his hometown team London Broncos. Thomas made his professional debut on loan for neighbours London Skolars during the 2013 season, before making his Super League bow for the Broncos as a full-back against St Helens in 2014.

Oscar stayed with the Broncos for a season after their relegation from the top division, before joining Bradford Bulls in early 2016. Indeed his debut for the Bulls came against Swinton in the rearranged game at Widnes.

Remaining with the Bulls for a year either side of their liquidation, the fledgling star notched up eight tries and 67 goals in 41 games for the Odsal side. He then spent the 2018 season with Sheffield Eagles, ahead of his transfer to the Lions.

Established at club level, Thomas has also has gained international honours for Scotland due to his heritage, making his debut for the Bravehearts at the European Cup in 2014, before appearing at the Rugby League World Cup in 2017 – where he scored a try against home nation New Zealand.

‘A VERY VALUABLE ATTRIBUTE TO OUR ORGANISATION’

Lions Head Coach Stuart Littler said, “Oscar is an experienced championship player who has previously been at London, Bradford and Sheffield. ”

“After meeting with Oscar he fit our mould being a player keen to develop and learn whilst also aiming to get back to producing his best football.

“I believe Oscar can be a consistent performer with our club and if he can get back to playing his best Rugby League he will be a very valuable attribute to our organisation. I am looking forward to working with Oscar who will join our current internationals in returning to training this week.

“2019 is shaping up very nicely with the attitude and team ethos the boys are demonstrating in training. I feel adding Oscar will only supplement this as we strive to progress in 2019.”

‘WE ARE GETTING A PLAYER THAT WHO HAS IT ALL’

Club Chairman Andy Mazey also commented “Delighted to announce the arrival of our new number six Oscar Thomas on a two-year-deal. He is a player we have tracked for a number of months and is a player Stuart had identified last year and he really wanted.

Oscar had some very good offers on the table both in rugby union and league but having travelled up from London for a meeting with Stuart and I he was sold on the Lions and what Stuart his staff and this improved squad is all about.

“I believe we are getting a player who has it all in his locker and electric pace and firmly believe he can return to Super League at some stage so this is an exciting capture for our club and the final piece of the jigsaw in terms of our 2019 recruitment.

“Once again Pride Builder have offered some assistance and played a part in this deal so thanks to everyone contributing it does make a difference. Oscar will now relocate to the Manchester area and is raring to go and really excited by the future here at Swinton. A big thanks to Oscars agent Dave Peet who has worked closely with us to help make this deal work for all parties. Welcome Oscar!”

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

Take advantage of the early bird season ticket prices available until Wednesday 11th December

Confirmed 2019 Squad

HARRY AARONSON
MATTY ASHTON
BEN AUSTIN

GAVIN BENNION

BILLY BRICKHILL
MIKE BUTT 
JOE DIGBY
ROB FAIRCLOUGH
RYAN GRAY
AARON HALL
FRANKIE HALTON
JACK HANSEN
LEWIS HATTON
WILL HOPE
PADDY JONES 
ADAM JONES
JOSE KENGA
RHODRI LLOYD
MIKE RATU
KYLE SHELFORD
OSCAR THOMAS
ASHLEY WARNE
LUKE WATERWORTH
DALEY WILLIAMS
CHRIS WORRALL

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