Swinton sign trio

Liam Hulme is one of three more signings announced by Swinton.

The 21-year-old second row forward joins from Warrington and spent last season as a dual-registered player with North Wales Crusaders.

He’s a highly rated prospect, played for England schoolboys and is the son of former Great Britain, Warrington and Widnes star Paul.

He’s joined by Kash Watkins, who is returning for a second spell at the Lions, and prop David Mills who is back from last season.

Swinton director of rugby Paul Kidd said: “Liam is a quality player with a great pedigree. He’s a young lad who wants to make his way in the game and he will get every opportunity with us.

“We are a bit light in the forwards so the arrival of Liam and the return of David Mills is good news for the club.”

Watkins came through the Warrington academy where he played alongside Lions winger Kevin Penny and he is the brother of Leeds Rhinos star Kallum.

Mills, 31, is the son of rugby league legend ‘Big’ Jim Mills, played Super League for Widnes, Harlequins and Hull KR before joining the Lions from Leigh.

“It was important to get Millsy back on board because he’s very experienced and did a really good job with some of the younger players on our team,” said coach Steve McCormack.

“It took him a while to settle down last season but he’s a players’ player and there are a lot of things he did for us that weren’t standout things.

“But he started playing his best rugby towards the end of the season and I’m delighted to have him back.”

The Lions currently have 16 players signed up and squad is as follows: Chaz I’Anson, Martin Ainscough, Darren and Ritchie Hawkyard, Mark Smith, Kevin Penny, Alex Hurst, Chris Clarke, Sam Reay, Neil Holland, Ian Watson, David Mills, Andy Ballard, Josh Barlow, Liam Hulme, Kash Watkins.