Super League hooker joins new club

Super League is full of top hooker especially with former Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants hooker Kruise Leeming headed to Wigan Warriors in 2024.

But one of the competition’s brightest young hookers is headed to the Championship in the shape of George Roby who joins Swinton Lions on a permanent deal.

George made his debut at hooker in a Swinton shirt in May 2022, when he scored a try in a victory
over Hunslet at South Leeds Stadium. He went on to score 10 times in 10 appearances, including a 4 try haul against Midlands Hurricanes, but sadly he missed out on our promotion play-off final victory due to injury.

However, such was his impact on League 1, that he carried off the Young Player of the Year Award at the RFL’s prestigious end of season presentations.

Although George started the current season on loan at fellow Championship outfit Bradford Bulls, the club were able to secure a second loan period via his parent club, Huddersfield Giants. During the 2023 campaign George added a further 16 Swinton appearances to his tally, scoring 4 tries. This included a double when they fought back to beat high flying Sheffield Eagles in early July.

Lions’ CEO Steve Wild, “George is a great player and a great character, and he was always someone that we wanted to sign on a permanent contract at the Lions.

“Of course, he was officially another club’s player, and the process to bring him officially to Swinton has not been without its up and downs and immense challenges. But we got there in the end, and I know George will be just as thrilled to be playing for the Lions again as our supporters will be to see him in a Swinton shirt next season.

“Hopefully all connected with the club, including potential player targets, will see George’s signing as a statement of intent by Swinton Lions.”

George himself said, “Swinton is where I am happiest, and when you’re at your happiest you play
your best rugby. So that’s why I’ll be staying at Swinton for the 2024 season.

“The Board are working really hard to bring in good signings, so please get your season tickets, it’s going to be a really enjoyable year!”