How Swinton Lions are shaping up for 2023
Swinton Lions return to the Championship for the 2023 campaign at the first time of asking following their relegation in 2021.
Allan Coleman’s side were victorious in the League 1 play-off final at Heywood Road last season. They defeated Doncaster 16-10 to secure their place back in the second division.
A total of 15 players have been added to the squad during the off-season since then.
Former St Helens youngster Josh Eaves was the latest player added to the squad following his release from Whitehaven. He spent the 2022 season on a full-time deal with Newcastle Thunder, making 27 appearances. He had signed with the Cumbrian club following the conclusion of 2022. However, he was released due to a change in his working circumstances.
Wales international Gavin Bennion returns to Heywood Road, having played the last two seasons with Rochdale. He is joined by international team-mate and half-back Oliver Olds at the club, who has signed on for 2023. The pair join Mike Butt and Rhodri Lloyd, who both also featured for Wales during the recent World Cup.
Jake Spedding and Kenny Baker make the short move from Widnes, while Liam Cooper joins from Whitehaven.
Young forward Morgan Burgess, who featured for the Vikings in 2022 on dual-registration, joins from Warrington.
Italy international Richard Lepori has signed a new deal for 2023. Meanwhile, the likes of Nick Gregson and Jayden Hatton have re-signed with the club.
Jack Hansen headlines the departures, having joined Sheffield on a two-year deal.
Incomings: Josh Eaves, Myles Harrop, Joey Romeo, Oliver Olds, Gavin Bennion, Anthony Dyne, Jake Spedding, Jonny Openshaw, Morgan Burgess, Jordan Gibson, Andrew Badrock, Scott Parnaby, Kenny Baker, Gavin Rodden, Liam Cooper.
Outgoings: Deane Meadows, Paddy Jones, Matty Wilkinson, Max Roberts, Lewis Hatton, Jack Hansen, Jack Spencer, Lewis Charnock.
Swinton Lions squad for 2023 so far
Forwards: Josh Eaves, Gavin Bennion, Morgan Burgess, Jonny Openshaw, Luke Waterworth, Kenny Baker, Gavin Rodden, Jordan Case, Scott Parnaby, Louis Brogan, Liam Cooper, Billy Brickhill, Nick Gregson, Rhodri Lloyd.
Backs: Myles Harrop, Joey Romeo, Ollie Olds, Richard Lepori, Jayden Hatton, Anthony Dyne, Jake Spedding, Jordan Gibson, Andrew Badrock, Mitch Cox, Dan Abram, Mike Butt.
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