Hunslet sign Australian half-back Barnett

Hunslet have announced the signing of young Australian half-back Jake Barnett for the 2018 campaign.

The 22-year-old is the son of former Bradford Northern, Batley and Bramley star Steve Barnett and the nephew of current assistant coach Gary Barnett.

His preferred position is at half-back but can also play at hooker or full-back.

Barnett, who has dual-nationality, is a product of the Eastern Suburbs Tigers club in Brisbane, who have a link with NRL giants Melbourne Storm.

He has joined the Navy and represented Australia when playing for the Navy Tridents team at Rugby League and Rugby Union in both inter-service and international competitions.

And Hunslet coach Gary Thornton thinks Barnett will add good competition for places at the League 1 outfit.

He said: “Jake has grown up in Australia and has a very good Rugby League pedigree, following in the footsteps of his dad Steve, and his uncle, my assistant Gary.

“He has played at a high level over in Oz as a junior before joining the Navy, and has represented the National Armed Forces team.

“He has come across to England to try and establish himself in the professional ranks, and can play at half-back, hooker or full-back.

“From what I have seen of him so far, he has plenty of his dad’s and uncle’s attributes, and being very confident in his own abilities. I’m sure he will be pushing forward to establish himself in the team.

“We are building some genuine competition for places across the board and with Jake’s utility value, this puts pressure on a lot of players in the squad.”