T’Other Side: Swinton Lions

T’Other Side: Swinton Lions

Head Coach: John Duffy

John Duffy took over as coach of Swinton Lions in June 2014 following Ian Watson moving to Salford. Although suffering relegation that year, he led them to promotion back to the championship in his first full season. As a player he was a halfback, starting his career at Warrington but making most of his appearances for Leigh. He played 12 times for Scotland including the 2008 World Cup.

Captain: Andy Thornley

Having made his first grade debut for Salford in 2009, he then went on loan to Whitehaven and then signed for them for the 2010 season. This was followed by four seasons playing for Leigh Centurions. In his final season at Leigh he had loan spells with Swinton and North Wales, signing for Swinton for 2015. This is his first year as captain.

At the Back

Despite being handed squad number #21, Mike Butt has played 16 games this year and is Swinton’s top try scorer with 14. He is a one club player having started with Swinton in 2015. Jack Murphy is the team’s usual fullback. Swinton signed him for this season from Workington Town. Before Workington, Murphy was at Wigan and had loan spells at South Wales and Salford. He played for England Academy in 2010. When Fev played Swinton back in February, winger Shaun Robinson caused many problems for our defence and was named as Man of the Match.

In the Halves

Chris Atkin has been an ever-present so far this year. He is the main goal-kicker with 61 goals and he has also kicked 4 drop goals. His career began at Swinton in 2014. Arriving this year from Whitehaven, Grant Gore began his career with Widnes. He has also played for both Welsh teams.

Up Front

Ben Austin is a rumbustious prop forward. At just 22 he is expected to develop into a first class player. Playing at either loose forward or prop Anthony Bate usually starts on the bench but has been a regular member of the team. Prior to joining Swinton, Bate played for Leigh Centurions and Barrow Raiders. Bringing huge experience to the Swinton pack is Andy Bracek. Another prop who has started every game this year. He began with Saint Helens and had four seasons with Warrington. From 2013-2016 he played at Halifax. At representative level he has played for England U19 and Wales.

The Fev connection

It doesn’t happen very often, but there are no members of the Swinton squad who have ever played for Fev! The only connection between the Fev squad this year and Swinton is a very remote one. Leeds player, Anthony Mullally has played one game for Fev on dual registration and back in 2010 he played half a dozen games for Swinton.