Dons complete double signing

[Dons News]

We are delighted to announce the double signing of Ryan Wright and Joe McLocklan Kingstone Press Championship rivals Dewsbury Rams.

Head coach Gary Thornton has moved swiftly to recruit the pair, following Shaun Leaf's retirement and Pasqualle Dunn's departure last week.

Utility man McLocklan can play in a variety of positions and brings a wealth of Championship experience with spells at the likes of Featherstone Rovers, Hunslet Hawks and York City Knights.

Hooker Wright came through Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Academy system before linking up with Dewsbury in 2013.

Speaking about the signings head coach Gary Thornton said: "They have both been at Dewsbury Rams, Ryan is an ex Wakefield Academy graduate and I coached against him when I was at Castleford when he was an 18 year old.

"I'm delighted to have got him, he is very quick, a very good round dummy half and a specialist hooker which will be great because it will help solve a problem there and we will be able to give Kyle Kesik a rest when we need to and it will allow us more time to play a bit more time in the middle unit so I think he will be a great addition to us.

"Joe is a utility player, he has been about a bit, he is in his late 20's, he started off at Hull and has been at some very good clubs.

"He can play in many positions, but I have primarily brought him in to solve the half-back problem that we have got.

"Joe will come into contention to play alongside Paul Mennell this weekend with Richard Wilkinson not being fit and he should do a really good job for us there.

"He has plenty of experience, he will put us around the park and organise us and I am looking forward to working with him as well."

Speaking about joining the Dons Wright added: "I've been struggling to get game time at Dewsbury, I'd been trying to get out on loan for a while and get some game.

"Glenn Morrison approached me to say Doncaster were interested in signing me and when they were so keen to get me on board and give me the game time I wanted to give it a go.

"There is a big pack here, I'm pretty quick around the ruck, I like to think if we get a bit of go forward, I can offer a bit of direction around the play the ball.

"I've never been coached by Gary, but I've always known him and kept in touch, he is a really genuine guy and was really keen to get me on board and I'd like to thank him for the opportunity."

McLocklan also admitted the lure of game time at Doncaster was too good to turn down. "I had a limited amount of playing time at Dewsbury, even though I really enjoyed it and it is a great coaching set up and great club, said McLocklan.

"When I spoke to Gary he said there was a better opportunity for me to play here and that is why I took it.

"I'm 28 years old, but I have been about a while and I have a lot of expereience playing in different positions.

"Hopefully I can come in and show enthusiasm, pick the players up and show that experience of game management, communication and hopefully I can help bring the team together."

Both players are in contention to make their debuts in Sunday's clash with Hunslet Hawks. You can buy tickets online here.

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