Kelly adds Knowles to Rams’ squad

Dewsbury have secured the services of Featherstone’s second-rower Michael Knowles on a deal until the end of 2018.

The 30-year-old joins the Rams with immediate effect, having made 14 appearances for Featherstone in 2017, following a five-year spell with Sheffield.

Knowles was a back-to-back Grand Final winner with the Eagles, after starting his career in the youth ranks at Castleford.

He also enjoyed short spells with Gateshead Thunder and Barrow Raiders before joining Sheffield.

Rams’ head coach Neil Kelly said: “Michael is a player I admired even before I came back to the club, and I’ve watched him closely since I’ve come back.

“He’s a ball-handling back rower, he can play tough and he’s a good footballer. He’s a real addition to an already good squad.”

Club chairman Mark Sawyer added: “Michael is a high-quality player, who has tormented us on numerous occasions as an opponent, and is somebody we’ve sought to bring to the club on previous occasions.

“To finally bring him on board is a real positive for us, at a crucial stage of the season, and as Neil and his side aim to build up a bit of a head of steam ahead of the Super 8s.”