SWINTON Lions coach Paul Kidd says that his 2009 squad is now complete after signing what he describes as ‘two quality players’ from crisis club Rochdale Hornets this week.

The Lions have taken advantage of Rochdale’s financial problems by snapping up 27-year-old front row forward Dave Newton and 21-year-old utility back Carl Sneyd on 12-month deals.

Kidd said: "I know what I am getting with ex-Lion Dave Newton, who left us for Rochdale at the end of the 2007 season.

"He was looking for more security than he had at Rochdale and, after impressing in training with us for the last few weeks, I have opened the door for him to try to cement a place in our pack.

"That is not going to be easy for him as we are very strong in the pack. There is a lot of experience and a lot of ability in there. But Dave is a good all round forward and you can never have too much competition for places in the pack.

"The pack is so important, especially in our league. And I am happy to say that we have so many good options in the pack that I have no idea, at this stage, which forwards I will be selecting for the first game of the season.

"What I am certain about is that, after signing Dave and Carl Sneyd this week, I am no longer looking for new players. The squad is complete as far as I’m concerned and I’m very happy with it. But I’d never say never as a really good player could suddenly become available.

"That is what happened with Carl. He has only been in the professional game for 12 months but he was outstanding for Rochdale last year. He has burst on to the scene and he was the league’s joint top try scorer last season.

"He has got lots of pace and he can play in a number of positions but we probably see him as being a centre."

Swinton were scheduled to host Oldham in a friendly fixture on Sunday but the match was called off due to a frozen pitch. So the Lions’ trip to Whitehaven next Saturday, January 24, will now be their first pre-season game.

Kidd is taking his players on a team bonding mission at outdoor pursuits venue Whitehough this weekend.