BATLEY BULLDOGS have added fullback or halfback Robbie Butterworth and prop Adam Gledhill to their growing list of retentions, and snapped up prop Robson Stevens from new coach James Ford’s old club Featherstone.

Frontrower Luke Cooper, who moved from Featherstone to his hometown club two years ago, and winger Joe Burton, signed from the Leeds development ranks at the same time, have also extended their contracts at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium.

Ford, who had a long stint as coach of York before a shorter spell in charge of Featherstone which ended up February, has returned to Rugby League with the aim of breathing new life into Batley, who finished tenth in the old Championship in 2024 and twelfth last season.

That was after reaching the second-tier grand final in 2022 and Wembley via the 1895 Cup the year after.

Butterworth, 23, was signed from Wakefield ahead of the 2024 season after playing once for Trinity and on loan at Oldham, London Skolars and Swinton.

He scored eleven tries and kicked 16 goals in 24 games this year, and Ford explained: “It was important that we retained him.

“He’s young, has a good turn of speed, and has delivered some really skilful moments. We will work with him and challenge him to establish himself as one of the best fullbacks outside Super League.”

Stevens, 23, came through the Huddersfield Academy to play twice for their first team while also being farmed out to Dewsbury and had a spell in the Queensland Cup with Mackay Cutters before Ford brought him to Featherstone this time last year.

“Robson is tough, fit and resilient, a hard-working middle who carries plenty of whack in contact and displays a good passing game,” said Ford.

“But most importantly, he has really high potential and is driven to continue improving.”

Burton, 23, bagged eleven tries in 25 appearances this year and overall for Batley, has 33 in 58.

Cooper, 31, has played 49 times for the club while fellow forward Gledhill has signed for a 12th season, having made 264 appearances thus far.