St Helens give first appearance to new signing

St Helens have signed outside-back Wesley Bruines on a one-year deal.

Dewsbury-born Bruines, 19, spent last season in Australia with the South Sydney Rabbitohs development team.

Despite missing out on a scholarship contract in a Super League set-up, he continued to work hard, and that work ethic saw him rewarded with an appearance for the Yorkshire U17s side, and the England Community Lions.

Following those impressive displays, he joined Wakefield, who beat competition from other Super League sides for his signature and signed a contract until the end of 2021.

Following this, he moved to Australia and was rewarded with a development contract with the South Sydney Rabbitohs while at the Coffs Harbour Comets.

Now back in the UK with St Helens he has been given his first appearance for the club in the reserves against Swinton Lions today.

Elsewhere, Hull FC take on Sheffield Eagles today in Tony Smith’s first game in charge as Hull FC boss after leaving Hull KR last year.

It will be a special occasion as the club’s meet in a triple header with the wheelchair teams and women’s teams also doing battle.

Meanwhile, the Black and Whites will give debuts to three new signings.

Hull FC defeated the Black and Whites 58-12 last season in the Challenge Cup.

Hull FC’s new star signings start at fullback and halfback respectively in Tex Hoy and Jake Clifford.

In the spine they’re joined by Ben McNamara who is in in place of the injured Jake Trueman after he joined from Castleford Tigers.

This is a hint of how they could line up without Trueman against Cas in Round One.

Another new signing in ex-Leeds Rhinos centre Liam Sutcliffe is absent after playing in the Grand Final and he and World Cup Finalist Ligi Sao are given extra rest.

Fellow ex-Rhino Brad Dwyer is on the bench with Joe Lovodua starting instead.

Josh Griffin starts in his new back row role with Cameron Scott in the centres with new skipper Carlos Tuimavave absent.

Jamie Shaul misses out after a bit of an injury in training.