Sneyd decamps to join Swinton

IN THE TACKLE: Carl Sneyd (right), pictured in his Waterhead days.

SWINTON Lions have completed the signing of Carl Sneyd from Rochdale.

The 21-year-old utility back first burst onto the professional scene last year after signing for the Hornets from Waterhead and the ace goal kicker went on to become the top points scorer in National League Two in his debut season — even beating Oldham points machine Mick Nanyn.

Sneyd racked up 11 tries and kicked 96 goals in his 21 league games, three points more than Gateshead scrum-half Dan Russell and four in front of Nanyn, who is now with Harlequins in Super League.

Sneyd, whose younger brother Marc is on the books at Salford, appears to have a very promising career in front of him and has been earmarked for a centre role by Lions coach Paul Kidd.


ELLERY Hanley's competent debut showing on ITV show 'Dancing on Ice' has seen the rugby league legend installed as third favourite to win the contest, behind X-Factor runner-up of 2006 Ray Quinn and pop star and Mrs Kevin Pietersen, Jessica Taylor.

Hanley was coach of Doncaster until he quit the role immediately following his side's 18-10 win over Oldham last September.

He spoke to Roughyeds officials about taking on the role as coach, before the appointment of Tony Benson.

Ironic, then, that Oldham's recent on-field training sessions have been cancelled due to frozen surfaces. Maybe Ellery should have got the job after all — though it could be argued that a perfect triple lutz is of limited use to a prop forward . . .