Featherstone sign Hemel star James Thornton

Featherstone have signed promising back-rower James Thornton from Hemel.

The 22-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal with the club until the end of the season.

Rovers coach John Duffy is delighted to see Thornton make the step up from League 1 to Championship.

He said: “We keep a very close eye on all competitions, from the Queensland Cup in Australia to League 1 in the UK.

“We have watched a fair bit of James this year and he has stuck out like a sore thumb for Hemel, being a top performer week in, week out.

“He is a fantastic project signing for us and comes with a great attitude.

“He will apply himself superbly here and has bags of potential. We believe he has a big future ahead of him.”

Thornton could make his debut on Sunday when Featherstone host Rochdale Hornets in the Championship.