SWINTON LIONS have added former Salford and North Wales Crusaders boss Mike Grady (pictured) to Anthony Murray’s coaching staff – and two new faces to their squad for next year.

Ryan Forshaw, the highly-rated Thatto Heath Crusaders halfback who turned out for Widnes Vikings last month, and Luke Brighouse, a centre who came through the St Helens system, have been signed up.

Grady, 56, has had an eventful year, bossing the phoenix Salford (he had led the old club’s women’s team) from January to March, then the relaunched North Wales in June and July.

He coached South Wales Scorpions in 2014 and 2015, at the same time as Murray was in the first of his two spells at the helm of the old North Wales, whom Grady led from October 2016 to March 2018.

Grady has also been in charge of the Spain national team, worked in the Wales system and been an assistant at Widnes, Rochdale Hornets and Newcastle Thunder, and Murray explained: “I’ve followed his journey, and he has a huge amount of experience to bring.”

Grady joins existing assistants Micky Higham and Alan Hadcroft at Swinton, and Murray added: “It’s really important we have the right balance within our staff, with good people who understand the game but equally importantly, people who can lead, develop and support our young team. Mike certainly fits that bill.”

Grady said: “I’m grateful to both Swinton and Muzza (Murray) for this opportunity.”

Ex-Wigan Warriors Academy and Rochdale player Forshaw featured as trialist in Widnes’ pre-1895 Cup final home clash against Sheffield Eagles.

“That performance showed us that Ryan has the ability to compete at Championship level and deserves the opportunity to continue developing,” said Murray.

“Luke Brighouse is a young, talented outside back who has had a really good grounding in the game and like Ryan, is ready to step up.”