MIDLANDS HURRICANES recruit Danny Craven is looking forward to bringing all his experience to bear as the Birmingham side tackles the new expanded second tier.
The 34-year-old halfback has been on the first-team scene since 2010, when he made his debut for Widnes, the club he served in both Super League and the old Championship until a switch to Oldham in 2024.
Craven joined Sheffield partway through last season, when he played twelve times (with four tries) for the Roughyeds then nine (two tries) for the Eagles.
Now he is aiming to be a first name on the teamsheet in the second city after penning a two-year contract at the Hurricanes, for whom he made his debut in the 28-10 defeat by Newcastle, the first visitors to their new Avery Fields base.
Midlands, having lost pivot Jake Sweeting, who is taking time out of the game, have also signed halfback Lewis Else, 25, from Rochdale on two-year terms.
“Danny has been there, seen it and done it at fullback as well as halfback and the game management he will bring is something we have sometimes lacked,” said coach Mark Dunning, who is in his third full season in charge.
“He also possesses a very strong kicking and running game, which along with his experience is another exciting addition to our spine.”
Craven said: “I’m enjoying getting my teeth into this new challenge in a new environment.
“After meeting with Mark and talking through how he saw my role in the team as someone to bring some experience to a young side, I can safely say this is a challenge that I’m relishing.”
Else started out alongside Craven at Widnes (he has also played for Swinton), and Dunning added: “Lewis is a high-quality player, and as soon as we knew he was keen for a new challenge, we acted quickly to get the deal done.
“With his strong organisational skills, we’re really looking forward to seeing him contribute to our group.”