Swinton Lions have completed the signing of Gloucester-born forward Daniel Spencer-Tonks and the highly experienced Declan Patton who joins after two years with the Bradford Bulls.
Daniel played for Whitehaven last season, having come through a Super League environment with Salford Red Devils previously. He is a big forward with good feet and a real handful in both the attack and the defence.
The Lions have also added another former Super League player in half-back, Declan Patton. Declan made over 100 appearances for his hometown side Warrington Wolves between 2015 and 2020, during which time he both won and lost Challenge Cup finals.
He also appeared in two Super League Grand Finals at Old Trafford. He is famed for scoring the Wolves’ only try in the 2016 edition of the final. He then switched to the Red Devils in 2021 before signing for Bradford Bulls, where he has spent the last two seasons.
On the the international front, Declan has toured Papua New Guinea with the England Knights in 2018. He is an accomplished goal-kicker as well as a renowned organiser from the back. Declan is only 28 and his experience will prove invaluable for the Lions.
Lions’ Head Coach, Alan Kilshaw, said: “Daniel will complement our other middles with his tough carrying of the ball and his aggressive defence. He had an outstanding season at Whitehaven and also featured with a super league club previously in Salford Red Devils.”
“He has had some real lived in experience, suffering some significant highs and lows in his career, as well as overcoming a life threatening car crash,” Kilshaw added.
“I believe that this represents strength of character and shows demonstrably how he can overcome adversity. Daniel is someone who I am really looking forward to working with and helping shape the next chapter of his Rugby League Career.
“Declan’s signing is a huge coup for Swinton Lions, and a key piece of business for the club. He is an experienced half back who still potentially has his best form ahead of him.
“Declan has won a Challenge Cup final and played in two Grand Finals at Old Trafford. He has a tremendous kicking game and has been a stand out performer at Championship level for Bradford Bulls.”
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