Ambitious Rovers recruit Carvell for Super League push

New Featherstone recruit Garreth Carvell.

The 33-year-old has signed a two-year deal with Andy Hay’s side, and will also take on the role of assistant coach.

Rovers have made a major signing in a player who made his Super League debut with Leeds Rhinos aged 16, before successful spells at Hull FC – where he won the 2005 Challenge Cup – and Warrington.

The Wales international finished last season at Castleford  Tigers, but jumped at the chance of joining Featherstone’s bid for Super League. Rovers had already shown their intent by signing former GB prop Paul Wood from Warrington.

“I’m really excited to be joining Featherstone who are definitely a club and team who are heading in the right direction,” he said.

“I’ve watched plenty of Championship rugby and I’m really looking forward to the physical nature of the competition.

“We are putting together a great squad and I’m looking forward to linking up with my mate Woody (Paul Wood) again.

“The new structures in place such as the Super 8s and the million pound game towards the end of the season are a really exciting prospect and something I want to be involved in. We’ve got some younger lads in the squad who I hope I can help in the early stages of their career and I’m looking forward to assisting the coaching staff here too.”

Rovers head coach Hay added “I’m delighted to secure the signature of Garreth who will really bolster our already strong pack.

“As well as bringing plenty of size to our pack he also has a good skill set including a very good offload.” Hay has named Tim Spears and Paul Sykes as co-captains for the 2015 season.

England prop Lee Mossop admits he was close to signing for Leeds Rhinos before rejoining Wigan in the close season.

The Cumbria-born forward, who left the Warriors after helping them complete the Super League and Challenge Cup double in 2013, cut short his stay with Parramatta after his Wigan-born wife Chloe became homesick. Mossop, 26, was courted strongly by the Rhinos when he made it clear he wanted to return to Super League.

“It was quite close,” Mossop confirmed. “I spoke to a couple of clubs and Wigan as well.

“Leeds are a team that I’ve got a massive amount of respect for. You see every year they are fighting for the honours and (coach) Brian Mac (McDermott) sold the club to me really well.”