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Lions take bite out of the Tigers

1/12/2005

SWINTON Lions are poised to sign a strong running and defensively sound second rower who helped Castleford Tigers gain promotion to Super League last season.

Jordan James, aged 25, took part in Swinton's first pre-season training session yesterday, Wednesday, November 30.

A deal has been struck with Cas and Lions coach Paul Kidd is merely awaiting red tape confirmation of the signing.

Kidd said: "Jordan will be a great signing. He is a strong runner out wide and he scored about 10 tries for Cas last year.

"His defence is top notch as well and at 25 he is a very good age for a pack player.

"Our books are practically closed now but we are looking to scour the amateur ranks for hidden gems."

Loose forward Danny Barton has returned to former club Blackpool Panthers after turning down the chance to sign an extended contract at Swinton.

And prop Ian Parry was the only Lions player unable to begin pre-season training.

He is nursing a groin problem and has been booked in for a scan.

Meanwhile, Swinton have been given a nightmare draw in the 2006 Northern Rail Cup. They will face two sides who were playing in Super League last year - Widnes and Leigh. And group four is completed by League Two rivals Blackpool.

Swinton will travel to Widnes on February 4, Blackpool on March 5, and Leigh on March 26.

And they will play at home against Blackpool on February 19, Leigh on February 26 and Widnes on March 19.

All of the games will kick-off at 3pm on a Sunday and, should Swinton progress, the other cup games lying in wait are the quarter-final qualifying round on April 23, the quarter-finals on May 7, the semi-finals on June 18 and the final on July 16.