Warrington and St Helens duo bolster Championship club with short-term moves

Josh McAllister
Ben Davies, Paul Wellens, St Helens. News Images

Photo by Steve Flynn/News Images.

Championship side Swinton have confirmed the arrivals of Ben Davies and Luke Thomas from St Helens and Warrington respectively on short-term deals. 

Davies, 23, makes the switch on dual-registration. The outside-back has scored eight tries in 18 first team appearances for St Helens, having made his debut for the club in 2020 against Salford.

So far this campaign, Davies has made three Super League appearances under Paul Wellens, including a try in the 20-12 win over Hull at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

St Helens take on Catalans on Friday night in Super League.

Warrington youngster Thomas joins the Lions on an initial short-term loan deal. The former Latchford Albion junior made his first team debut against Leeds in August 2022.

He has previously enjoyed loan spells at Rochdale and made his international debut with Wales against France last June during the international break.

The pair are likely to face Toulouse in the Championship at Heywood Road this Saturday in Round 10.

Swinton currently sit 12th on the Championship table, having recorded two wins from nine so far this year.

Billy Brickhill departs Swinton

The club recently announced the departure of utility forward Billy Brickhill by mutual consent. He joined the Lions from Rochdale ahead of the 2019 season, and made 27 appearances in his debut year. In total, he featured 57 times for the club.

He was a part of the side that won promotion back to the Championship from League 1 for the 2023 campaign.

Brickhill said: “I want to say a massive thanks to the board and the staff for supporting me throughout my time at Swinton Lions.

“I’ve loved playing for the fans and the club for the past five seasons.

“I want to wish Allan, the staff and the players all the very best for the rest of this season.”

Head coach Coleman added: “Billy is the type of player who possibly doesn’t get the accolades he deserves.

“He always gave it 110% in training and 110% on the field.

“He’s a big loss for the club because he’s capable of covering all areas of the field positional wise.

“We class him very much as one of our own.

“He’s made a decision which is the correct one for his family, but should he ever want to get involved in the future then hopefully it will be with us. From me and all the staff and players we wish Billy all the very best.”

Swinton also recently lost hooker Luke Waterworth after the ex-Wigan youngster decided to step away from rugby league after admitting he lost a bit of love for the sport.

READ NEXT: Castleford forward Daniel Smith heads to the Championship

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app