
Swinton Lions coach Ian Watson thinks his latest signing will become one of the club’s leaders this year.
Luke Menzies, 25, joined the club from Hunslet following spells with Batley and Hull KR. He is a powerful and impressive prop forward measuring 6’1” and weighing in at nearly 17 stones.
Swinton claim he was offered a contract at Widnes, where he has been on trial, but chose to join the Lions.
“He has already had a big impact on the squad and that’s just in training,” said player-coach Watson.
“He is always talking to the other players and helping them along.
“Take Zach Johnson for example. He’s a young prop who has joined us from the amateur game and Luke has taken him under his wing.
“He’s paired up with Zach and is constantly talking to him, to get him up and running after taking the step up.
“Luke is a real professional who has got great knowledge of the game.
“He was on trial at Widnes and I went to watch him play last month in their friendly game against Warrington.
“He likes to go forward and help the team get on the front foot. Widnes actually offered him a contract but he chose to come to us.”