Swinton bring in former Fiji international Mike Ratu

Swinton have signed experienced centre Mike Ratu on a one-year deal.

The 31-year-old joins the Lions following his most recent spell at Rochdale Hornets, having started his career at Leeds Rhinos in 2014, making six appearances for the Super League side.

Ratu enjoyed a spell at Hull KR in 2010, before moving to Halifax and then Rochdale, where he spent three years before taking a break from the club.

On joining the Lions, Ratu: “I’m extremely excited to start a new chapter after a decent break, I’m very grateful to Stuart [Littler] and Swinton for giving me this opportunity.

“He’s signalled his intentions for the new year with some quality signing already, I can’t wait to get in and be part of it.”

Swinton coach Stuart Littler commented: “When Mike Ratu called me looking for an opportunity, I was happy to discuss.

“Centre is a position where we identified the need for competition and Mike will do that.

“Mike has great experience and the year away seems to have re-lit the firing burning inside for success. There is no doubt a fully fit Ratu is a strong edge strike weapon that we fully intend to utilise.”

Ratu’s uncle, Emon Ratu, also donned the Swinton shirt in the early 1990s, most notably scoring a try against rivals Salford in 1991.

Swinton’s new signing represented Fiji back in 2009.