Mort leaving Swinton for Australia

Full-back Ian Mort is leaving Swinton to join Australian club Dapto Canaries.

Mort, the Championship One Player of the season in 2011, is following Lions team-mates Dale Cunniffe and Mike Morrison in heading Down Under.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and one that’s too good to turn down,” said the 24-year-old former Leigh full-back.

“I was looking around to see what was out there and came up with this deal for 12 months.

“I’ve never been away from home before and it’s a great opportunity to see the world and experience a new lifestyle.”

Mort’s decision to head Down Under was influenced by his pals Cunniffe and Morrison but unlike his Swinton team-mates he already has a club to go to.

Dapto play in the Illawarra Rugby League and have links with NRL side St George Illawarra.

Mort is Swinton’s record points scorer for a season and amassed 25 tries and 119 goals in the 2011 Championship One title-winning campaign.

He said: “I’m sad to be leaving Swinton because I’ve had an incredible two years at the club, played with some amazing team-mates, had some great coaching, and played in front of some incredible fans.

“I’ve got a one-year visa and when I come back I would love nothing more than to pull on a Swinton jersey again.”

Mort will continue to train with the Lions until he leaves on January 16.