Ex-Castleford Tigers youngster and former Super League star both given squad numbers at new club Dewsbury as the Rams unveil new shirt

Last night was a big night for Dewsbury as their season launch took place at the Tetley’s Stadium as the club unveiled their 2022 squad numbers and their new away kit.

It was certainly interesting to see what shirt numbers were awarded to Dewsbury’s vast number of new signings going into the new campaign.

Arguably the Rams’ two biggest signings were not given squad numbers inside the first 13 or even the first 17. Dale Ferguson was handed the number 24 shirt last night. The former Wakefield, Bradford and Huddersfield man is one of the most experienced players in the Championship, a Scottish international and the 2011 Scotland Player of the Year. He was a key player in Huddersfield’s journey to the League Leaders’ Shield in 2013 even playing in the Giants’ 76-18 play-off win over Hull FC on the way to final four of the play-offs.

After that season he joined Bradford and impressed before returning to Huddersfield in 2017 where he enjoyed three more seasons helping the Giants to a top eight finish in 2017 and 2018.

He then joined Featherstone before moving to Dewsbury ahead of 2022. Despite his Super League and Championship experience, Ferguson was only awarded the number 24 jersey for next season. However, perhaps this shouldn’t be so surprising given his history with the squad number.

Meanwhile, another of Dewsbury’s signings has also been given a squad number in the 20s. Former Castleford man Brad Graham was awarded the number 21 shirt.

The 20-year-old outside back demonstrated good potential at the Jungle making his debut in 2020 before scoring his first try against Huddersfield in 2021. However, despite the exciting potential he demonstrated under Daryl Powell, he does not find his way into the top 20 squad numbers at Dewsbury.

Fellow back and new arrival Jake Sweeting did make it into the top 20 with the number 19 shirt after joining from Featherstone along with the aforementioned Ferguson.

The big news didn’t cease there with the Rams unveiling a smart away shirt as well.

🤩 RETRO RAMS | Dewsbury Rams are excited to reveal our brand new @OfficialEllgren Away Shirt for the 2022 Betfred Championship Season.

➡️ CHECK OUT THE KIT HERE: https://t.co/SgZmQzajbV#UTR | #RamsFam pic.twitter.com/POW5UyRmEH

— Dewsbury Rams (@DewsburyRams) December 10, 2021

The retro shirt design has a white base with the Rams’ traditional colours forming a stripe under the chest as well as appearing on the bottom of the sleeves and around the collar as well as on the shorts and socks.

With a big year ahead of the Rams in 2022, last night was an exciting one for Dewsbury fans as they look forward to the new season.