Dewsbury Rams have kickstarted their recruitment for 2017 with the addition of five new signings, including former Leeds hooker Robbie Ward.
Ward, who joins the club from Featherstone, is followed by Halifax winger Gareth Potts, Doncaster back-row Brad Foster and Keighley duo Hamish Barnes and Aaron Ollett.
Head coach Glenn Morrison confirmed the signings at the club’s fans forum on Wednesday, using the time to also confirm that Mitch Stringer and Lucas Walshaw will remain at the club next season after signing permanent deals.
Ward left England following his release from Leeds at the end of last season to pursue a playing career in Australia. He joined Melbourne Storm’s feeder club, Sunshine Coast Falcons, but returned to join Featherstone midway through the season.
Potts joins the club after leaving Halifax, where he has spent the last three years after joining Fax from Batley.
Meanwhile, Foster, Barnes and Ollett will all make the step up from League 1, with Ollett set to reunite with former Hull Kingston Rovers teammate Josh Guzdek, who the club have confirmed will be staying at the Rams next season after an impressive maiden year with the club.
Dewsbury are expected to lose a couple of key players, including Shane Grady, who is set to join Halifax.
