Swinton snap up Jamie Acton
Swinton have signed former Leigh forward Jamie Acton on a one-year deal.
The ex-Super League front-rower joins the Lions for the 2019 Championship season and bolster’s Stuart Littler’s forward pack.
Acton helped the Centurions gain promotion to Super League in 2016 and spent five years at the club, making over 90 appearances.
On signing for Swinton, Acton said: “Following a tough year in rugby last year, its fair to say I had lost a bit of faith in the sport and was ready for a break.
“I’ve been busy setting myself up for the future and considering whether I wanted to stay in rugby at all going forward.
“When Swinton made me the offer of a part-time role close to home, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to fall back in love with the sport, whilst also being able to pursue my other business interests.
“After negotiations with Andy Mazey and speaking at length with Rhodri Lloyd and Stuart Littler, I knew the Lions would be a great fit for me. I hope I can help them achieve all they want to this year. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and really look forward to getting stuck in with the lads.”
On securing the services of Acton, Lions coach Littler commented: “I am delighted to be able to announce a really significant signing for our club.
“I am really excited to get Jamie Acton on board. Having met up with Jamie a couple of times I feel Jamie can only add to what we are aiming to build at Swinton Lions.
“Jamie has had some outstanding performances over the past couple of seasons but has maybe been a little inconsistent due to some unfortunate suspensions.
“After speaking personally to Jamie, I believe he is coming here for all the right reasons. He is already close friends with a couple of our squad.
“We both agreed that we need to see Jamie Acton back enjoying his rugby league again with a smile upon his face. If we can nurture this, we will have some player on our hands. At the beginning of the season, this signing demonstrates that we will keep striving to move this club forwards. We now have competition for places all over the squad which can only benefit us throughout the upcoming season.”