Featherstone Rovers have made a further statement of intent this morning with the announcement of three additional signings to boost their squad on the eve of the competition's start.
In a media day held at the stadium, the signings of Melbourne Storm halfback Ryley Jacks, former six time treble winner Adam Cuthbertson and Australian prop Ben Mathiou.
This will be in addition to star signings Joey Leilua and Jesse Sene-Lefao.
Ryley Jacks commented: "I had a discussion with Martin (Vickers) and Brian (McDermott) about a week ago about coming over to play for Featherstone, I’ve always wanted to do it (play in the UK), knowing the story of how Featherstone have come so close in recent years, I really fancied the challenge of teaming up with Joey and the other boys to go that one step further.
"It's the story that really made me want to come over."
I'm a natural number seven, a controlling half, I bring a kicking game and a running game but I really pride myself on my defence.
I've had some time at a really great club where I've learnt a lot from some excellent players. I go hard for the full 80 minutes and win, that's what it's all about for me."
Adam Cuthbertson joins in good time from Championship rivals York and is ready to play against his former side in the season opener on Monday night.
Cuthbertson commented: "The chance to work with Mac again was for me a brilliant opportunity, we've got a great
relationship which continued well after our time at Leeds.
"With a passion for performance and coaching it was a no brainer for me when Mac approached me about joining him at
Featherstone as a player-coach.
"In my time at the Rhinos, I shared the field with several dual-reg Featherstone players including Rhinos current coach Rich Agar who only ever had great things to say about the Club, owner (Mark Campbell) and loyal fans which I can't wait to be a part of.
"I certainly feel like I've something left in me that I want to show, there's a fire in there that hasn't gone out so I'm raring to go for one last challenge."
Brian McDermott commented; "I'm pleased to have got Adam on board. He comes to us as both player and coach. As a coach
"Adam has already got great experience while coaching the women’s teams of both rhinos and York and he is keen to progress further with Featherstone Rovers.
"He's demonstrated to me quite clearly that he's got a big year in him. He's clearly fired up and raring to go for one final challenge.
"All successful teams have good back-room staff and, between Adam and Ian Hardman, I know our players will be getting two very good coaches who have a huge amount to knowledge to share."
On the announcement of his signing, Ben Mathiou commented: "I'm really looking forward to being part of a successful club in the UK.
"Being involved with Featherstone, a club that has a lot of history and has inspired me to want to be a part of the team that works hard to help the club be promoted to Super League.
"I'm a competitor and will compete on every play. I work hard on my leg speed and power.
The fans will get a hard working, honest player. I can't wait to pull on the Featherstone shirt and hear the cheers of the supporters and fans behind the club."
