Hawks swoop for Barnett

James Gordon

Newly-promoted Hunslet have bolstered their squad for their debut Championship campaign with the signing of winger Richie Barnett.

Barnett, 29, made 11 appearances for Sheffield Eagles in 2010 after spending two years on the sidelines following a drugs ban.

Hawks Director of Rugby Darren Williams said “This is a major signing for the club as Richie still harbours hopes of a return to Super League, he will add sheer pace and quality to our back line and is a proven finisher of the highest order, it really shows that players of this ilk see the progress the club has made over the previous 2 years and were thrilled to get his signature.”

Barnett played in Super League for Hull, Warrington, Widnes and Salford and boasted an impressive scoring rate, particularly at Hull, where he scored 23 tries in 25 starts in 2004.

Hunslet are also giving a trial to a Fijian forward who has played in the UK since 2004. He will play in a trial game for a local amateur side on Saturday, with the Hawks looking at offering him a new deal.

The Championship 1 winners have been busy tying up their existing squad following their promotion, with award-winning player coach Paul March and brother David among a raft of players to have signed on for 2011.