Saints pro deal for Greenwood

RUGBY: SADDLEWORTH Rangers are celebrating after forward prospect Joe Greenwood signed a two-year part-time professional deal with Super League giants St Helens.

The 18-year-old, younger brother of Rangers first-team player James Greenwood, grew up playing for the Greenfield club and has progressed from the academy system at Knowsley Road.

Greenwood, who will rub shoulders with fellow Oldham youngsters Kyle Eastmond and Jack Bradbury, will aim to force his way into the senior reckoning.

"We are all delighted for Joe," said Saddleworth chairman Terry Flanagan.

"It is great to have another Rangers player in the top-class professional ranks."

Terry’s son Mark, who plays for Australian outfit Wests Tigers, started his career at Rangers. On his latest return to Saddleworth, he presented Greenwood with a St Helens shirt.

Saints’ high-performance manager Mike Rush said: “Joe has steadily improved in his short time with us and this contract is a fitting reward for the attitude he has shown since joining the club in 2009."