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Jordan Case to add experience to Lions’ forward line

We are delighted to announce the signing of Jordan Case from Widnes Vikings. Jordan has also played against the Lions on a number of occasions in a Rochdale Hornets shirt, and now 28 years old he will bring a good deal of experience to the Swinton forward line.

After joining the Lions, Jordan said, “After years of playing against Swinton, I’m more than happy to finally get the opportunity to pull on the Lions’ shirt. I’m looking forward to meeting all the lads and getting stuck into pre season training. Hopefully I can bring some experience to the squad and help push us towards the main goal of promotion back into the Championship.”

Swinton Head Coach Allan Coleman added, “It’s great to get Jordan signed. He is an experienced player who has played with and against a few of our senior players. They have all said the same thing – Jordan is a player that we want with us and not against us! I am really looking forward to working with Jordan this coming season.”

News

Man of Steel Mitch Cox commits to Lions!

Our latest re-signing for season 2022 is centre Mitch Cox, who also enjoyed success as a second-rower towards the back-end of last season. Mitch, who will turn 28 later this month, joined us in late 2019 from Leigh Centurions, and was a very consistent performer for the Lions last season. After achieving the distinction of being the only player to appear in all of our 26 competitive games of 2021, at our End of Season Presentation Evening Mitch deservedly won the club’s prestigious Man of Steel Award. 

After signing his contract renewal Mitch said, “I’d like to say thank you to the Board and to Allan for wanting to keep me at the club for another year. 2022 will be a big season for our team and the club. Our goal has to be to become champions of League One, and we won’t be happy with anything less. I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead and to seeing everyone back at Heywood Road getting behind the team.”

Head Coach Allan Coleman added, “Mitch was by far and away our most consistent player last year, and I am delighted that we have got Mitch to sign for next season. He was outstanding to coach last season and I’m sure he will be even better in 2022. Towards the end of the 2021 season, I moved him to back-rower and I was delighted that he excelled there and made the position his own.”

News

Luke Waterworth commits to 2022 with the Lions!

We are delighted to announce that our popular hooker, Luke Waterworth, has confirmed a new contract with Swinton Lions, which will keep him at the club for at least another season. Since joining us from Wigan five years ago, Luke has become a firm favourite with the Lions’ faithful, and has now played some 119 games for the club. 

Luke said, “I am made up to sign for Swinton Lions again for another year! I can’t wait to get started and to try and help get the club back into Championship! The fans are great and have always supported me and the lads through thick and thin. I am now looking forward to a successful season under Allan and the coaching team!”

Head Coach Allan Coleman said, “I am so glad that we have kept Luke Waterworth for another season, because he is a player that was definitely towards the top of my wanted list. Luke is a coach’s dream, because he works so hard and leads by example. I’m looking forward to seeing him play a key role in our new squad, and I’ve no doubt he will have a good season in 2022.”

News

Richard Lepori fit again and raring to go!

Italy international Richard Lepori, who had an outstanding start to the 2021 campaign before a freak gym accident brought his season to a premature end, has agreed to a contract extension.

Lippy, who turned 30 a few days ago, joined us in June 2019 after a spell at Sedgley Park RUFC. He is strong both in attack and defence, and rarely produces anything other than a rock solid performance on the wing. Richard will be looking for a successful season in 2022, particularly with the prospect dangling of playing for Italy in the World Cup next autumn.

Upon signing his new contract Lippy said, “I’m really happy to be staying at the club for next season. Swinton Lions has a lot of good people in it, both on and off the field, and I know everyone involved is determined to get the club back to playing in the Championship. With the squad we are putting together, we will be challenging ourselves to bounce back.”

Lions’ Head Coach Allan Coleman added, “Having Richard back for next year is massive for us because we missed him so much last season. He is such an important player for us. His talking and leadership qualities are brilliant and he helps the staff so much with his constructive insight. It’s fantastic that following his injury he is now fit and raring to go.”

News

Jose Kenga eager to make up for lost time!

We are delighted that forward Jose Kenga has signed a contract extension which will keep him at Swinton Lions for the 2022 season. Jose joined us in 2019 and had made 19 appearances for the Lions before sustaining a season-ending injury in the pre-season friendly against Bradford Bulls. With that injury now behind him, Jose will be looking to make up for lost time next season.

Jose said, “I am very grateful to the club for really looking after me during a difficult year which began with a season ending injury. It’s been a very difficult season for both myself and the club, but all we can now do is look forward and I can’t wait to play my part towards the club pushing for the League 1 title and promotion in 2022. I’d like to thank the board members, coaching staff and medical staff for their ongoing support.”  

Head Coach Allan Coleman added, “It’s been a really tough year for Jose, but I’m sure that he will be back even better next year. He is brilliant lad to have at the club and a very popular character amongst the players and staff.”

News

Billy Brickhill extends contract with the Lions!

We are delighted to announce that our very own mister consistency, Billy Brickhill, has committed himself to Swinton Lions for the 2022 season!

Since joining us at the start of the 2019 season, Billy has made 48 appearances for the Lions, and has rarely produced anything other than a consistent and whole-hearted performance, regardless of what role he’s been asked to fulfil in the forward line. Being from Cadishead we count him as a “local” lad, and he is a player that seems to improve year on year.

After signing his new contract Billy said, “I’m really happy to have re-signed for Swinton for next year. We’ve got a good group of players and I’m looking forward to working under Allan and the rest of the coaching team. Our aim must be to win League 1 and then to get promotion back into the Championship for our brilliant fans.” 

Head Coach Allan was also thrilled with the news. He said, “I’m so happy that the club has got Billy signed up again for next season. Billy is a very important player to our team and how we play. He is mister consistent for us, and always gives 100% in everything he does both on the pitch and in training.”

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Paddy Jones re-joins Lions’ pack for 2022!

Paddy Jones, our 2019 Man of Steel, has become the latest Lion to commit to the club for season 2022. 

Paddy joined Swinton partway through the 2018 season, and made 19 appearances last season to bring his overall club total up to 62. A popular player amongst the staff and his team-mates, Paddy is an uncompromising and tough forward who is often asked to make an impact from the bench.

Upon confirming for next season, Liverpudlian Paddy said, “I’m made up to have signed for another year at Swinton Lions. After a rough season in 2021, I’m looking forward to getting back into it with a boss group of lads and staff.”

Head Coach Allan Coleman added, “It’s great to get Paddy Jones signed on again for next year. He works so hard in training which is encouraging, because if we can get Paddy firing on all cylinders, then we’ve got a great player and he will be in for a big year.”

News

Deane Meadows is next to join Lions’ squad of 2022!

Back-Row forward Deane Meadows has become the latest Lion to put pen to a new contract ahead of season 2022!

Deane joined us from Shevington Sharks back in the summer of 2019, but had to wait patiently to earn his Lions Heritage Number, which came in the Challenge Cup victory over Newcastle Thunder last February. He went on to make 19 appearances for Swinton in 2021, with the highlight arguably being his last minute try against Oldham at Heywood Road in August.

Deane said, “I’m made up to extend my contract for a further year with Swinton. It was an up and down season this year, but from a personal point of view the best one yet, because I was really made up to make my debut and to be playing regularly. I now can’t wait to get back into pre-season training with what is a great group of lads and staff. I’m looking to further improve next year and to make 2022 my best yet. I want to help get Swinton Lions to the top of League1 and then back into the Championship.”

Head Coach Allan Coleman added, “In my opinion Deane was the most improved player last season at Swinton and he deserves this contract so much. He works extremely hard on his game, and I am confident he will continue to progress and get the rewards he deserves.”

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Lions’ Young Player of the Year commits to Swinton!

The latest Lion to commit to the club for season 2022 is our reigning Young Player of the Year, Louis Brogan!

After joining us from Leigh Miners Rangers, Louis made his Swinton debut in early 2020 just ahead of the pandemic. Then in the 2021 season he produced a number of excellent displays in the Lions’ forward line, demonstrating outstanding consistency and maturity for a 21 year old.

Louis said, “I’m really pleased to have re-signed at Swinton for 2022. Last season obviously didn’t go to plan, but we’ve got a great group of players and staff who are in the process of creating something exciting here. I can’t wait to get back playing and to have a great year.”

Head Coach Allan Coleman has known Louis for a good few years, and was delighted with the news. He said, “It’s great to have got Louis’s signing done. He is a very talented player with a massive future in the game. Having worked with Louis for four years I know how good this kid is. I feel we will certainly see the best of Louis Brogan in 2022.”