St Helens have become the latest Super League side to confirm that they’ve partnered up with a Championship team in a dual registration deal for the 2024 campaign.
Plenty of Super League sides have already confirmed deals with the likes of champions Wigan Warriors pairing off with relegated Wakefield Trinity, meanwhile last season’s promotion hopefuls Featherstone Rovers have committed to a deal with Willie Peters’ Hull KR.
Now St Helens become the latest Super League side to confirm their dual reg partners, the Red Vee set to work with Swinton Lions in the 2024 campaign, as they did throughout 2023.
The teams had confirmed that they would be facing each other in pre-season with the Lions travelling to the Totally Wicked Stadium for the first time ever in January, but now it’s been confirmed that the two sides are in a dual registration partnership too.
Saints confirmed the news via statement: “St.Helens R.F.C. is thrilled to confirm the Club’s dual-registration partnership with Swinton Lions will continue in the 2024 season.
“The Saints and the Lions’ dual-registration allows our players to gain highly valuable experience with game time at the Betfred Championship club, whilst also allowing players from Swinton the chance to work within the Saints’ system and also potentially feature for our Reserves side.
“Alan Kilshaw is the man now in charge of the Lions, who after earning a dramatic promotion in 2022, retained their spot in the competition in 2023. It’s an exciting time for the Lions who are looking to progress under their new Head Coach.
“This year, young Saints George Delaney was offered the opportunity to play with Swinton and he grasped the chance with both hands with highly impressive performances. Such strong form with the Lions saw Delaney earn more First Team match minutes with the Red V.
“Young Saints Academy graduate half-back Will Roberts also made his professional debut whilst on dual-registration with Swinton in 2023, earning praise for his efforts.”
Saints Head Coach, Paul Wellens said: “We are delighted to have our dual-registration agreement with Swinton Lions continue into the 2024 season. The partnership allows some of our players to gain valuable match minutes in a highly competitive Championship, evidenced last season by George Delaney’s rise.
“George took that opportunity with Swinton and it was beneficial for both parties. Any player that gets their chance with the Lions, we expect to match our standards as they are representing both clubs.
“The partnership continues to flourish, and we are excited to be working together again in the 2024 season.”
Swinton Head Coach, Alan Kilshaw added: “I am very grateful to Mike Rush and Paul Wellens for working with us to extend our partnership for the 2024 season.
“The arrangement worked well last season and I’m hoping we can develop it even further. There are benefits for both clubs and I’m confident that we will continue to work well alongside each other to make our DR agreement a great success.”
Swinton Lions CEO, Steve Wild commented: “I’m delighted that our DR arrangement with St Helens will continue into season 2024. St Helens is a top club in every respect and it’s been a great experience for Swinton Lions to be working so closely with them.
“The partnership worked really well last season during which time we were thrilled to play a part in the development of young players such as George Delaney and several others. And of course our squad’s playing strength received a substantial boost at the same time.”
Our two clubs have struck up a great relationship based on respect, friendship and mutual benefit and long may it continue.”
