Featherstone sign Wests Tigers star

Featherstone Rovers have announced the signing of Australian Jy Hitchcox from NRL side Wests Tigers on a two year contract, subject to visa. The 25-year-old, who is comfortable in the fullback, wing and centre positions, played four times for West Tigers in 2014 and made a try scoring debut against Sydney Roosters in Round 23.

The former Gold Coast Titans, Melbourne Storm and Manly Marlins (rugby union) man has racked up more than 60 New South Wales Cup appearances and has also represented Australia at Under 18 level touring and playing three tests against England and France earlier in his career.

Featherstone Rovers Head Coach Andy Hay said “Jy is a player we have been watching who has a good pedigree and is player who can cover a number of positions. He has played all over the field and he even filled in at hooker at one point last season for the Tigers at New South Wales Cup level so he’s a pretty tough player. I think he will add plenty of speed on the outside and he has good ball skills so he will be an asset to us.

“His capture creates further competition in our three-quarter line and I’m looking forward to him arriving at the club and fighting for a place in the team. It’s important that we have healthy competition throughout the squad next year and Jy certainly provides that.”

Providing an update on the playing squad, the club have confirmed that they are awaiting the relevant documentation for the arrival of Ryan Verlinden and are assisting Ryan to make sure this is completed as soon as possible. However, their pursuit of an unnamed Cook Island player has unfortunately come to an end as Featherstone’s application for a discretionary visa was declined.