Wigan and Swinton continue dual-reg link

Wigan and Swinton will continue their dual-registration partnership in 2019.

The Lions have confirmed that they will remain partners with Adrian Lam’s side in 2019, which has seen young players develop at Heywood Road before gaining further opportunities in Wigan’s first-team.

And the relationship also saw utility-back Chris Hankinson sign for the Warriors during the 2018 season.

Wigan first-team players Tom Davies, Josh Ganson, Liam Marshall, Craig Mullen and Josh Woods are amongst a host of players who have played for the Lions in the dual-registration agreement.

On renewing the dual-registration link, Swinton coach Stuart Littler: “If you think about the game of rugby league, Wigan are a standout club in this country.

“The development work that goes on, and the kids there is second to none and it can only be a positive for our club to link up with the Super League champions.

“I’m thankful to Kris Radlinski, Ian Lenagan, Adrian Lam, Darrell Goulding, Mick Cassidy and everyone involved.

“I think over the last couple of years we’ve had some great players come down who carry good standards and have a good ethos from Wigan and they set the standards here. We get access to some quality players, last year for instance we had Josh Woods and before that Tom Davies and Liam Marshall.

“I think it benefits them guys as well because when they step into the first team, they’re getting used to playing top end Championship players, not just their own age.

“It’s all positive. We get access to some quality players that will add to our squad. We have 25 at the moment and it’s only a benefit for both teams and I’m excited.”