Swinton Lions confirm host of departures following exit of ex-Leigh Centurions halfback to Sheffield Eagles

As Swinton Lions prepare for their return to the Betfred Championship, they are undergoing something of a rebuild.

The Lions have said goodbye to the retiring Jack Spencer and Sheffield bound Jack Hansen this week and now five more players’ exits have been confirmed.

The men leaving the Lions are Matty Wilkinson, Max Roberts, Lewis Hatton, Deane Meadows and Paddy Jones.

Wilkinson, who joined us from Oldham last autumn, played an increasingly important role at
hooker for the Lions, particularly in view of the long-term injuries sustained by Luke
Waterworth and George Roby. Matt really came to prominence as the season came to its
dramatic promotion conclusion, producing some great moments and performances, including
a never-to-be forgotten 70 yards try at North Wales Crusaders.

After making 22 appearances for the Lions in 2022, it’s understood that Matt will shortly be
moving to another north-west club.

22 years old Roberts joined us from Oldham this time last year, having played his formative
years with Leigh Miners Rangers and Blackbrook. He played in all but one of our games in
2022, scoring 16 tries.

Prop-forward Hatton joined the Lions from Rochdale Hornets ahead of the 2019 campaign
and made a tremendous impact. Sadly 2020 was then all but wiped out by covid, and
2021 was disrupted by injury, but “Hatto” came to the fore once again this season to help
drive Swinton to promotion.

Meadows joined the Lions from Shevington Sharks in 2019, but covid meant that his full debut
didn’t come until 2021. However, over the past couple of seasons Deane firmly established
himself in the squad, and went on to make 35 appearances and score 8 tries.

Jones joined the club in 2018, but it was season 2019 when he had an outstanding campaign and
walked away with the Lions’ Man of Steel award. In the current season Paddy made 10 appearances,
giving him a Swinton career total of 71. He also scored four tries in total, two of which came at
London Skolars earlier this season.