MIDLANDS HURRICANES have signed experienced halfback Ritchie Hawkyard, five years after the 39-year-old last played professionally.
Hawkyard is a veteran of more than 250 games with Bradford Bulls, Swinton Lions, Keighley Cougars and Oldham and was capped once by Scotland in 2007.
He retired in 2020 after a second Keighley spell but continued to play in the amateur game with Yorkshire Men’s League side Newsome Panthers.
Hawkyard has signed a short-term deal for the rest of this season with Midlands, whose League One top-four hopes are faltering amid long-term injuries to playmakers Jake Sweeting and Callum McLelland.
Hurricanes coach Mark Dunning said: “It’s good to add Ritchie and his valuable experience to the squad as we enter such a pivotal point of the season.
“It is no secret that we have had some terrible luck regarding injuries to our spine as of late and Ritchie brings a lot of versatility and know-how in this area.
“With just three games of the regular season to go, I’m hopeful his presence provides some much-needed stability as we look to secure that all important place in the super eights.”
Hawkhead, who could make his debut at home to former club Keighley this Sunday, said: “I’m really excited about signing for the Hurricanes.
“I’m hopeful I can bring a bit of leadership and experience to the team as they continue to compete for a top-four play-off spot.”