Raynor can grow both as player and person with Rovers – Powell

The troubled ex-Great Britain winger, who revealed he contemplated suicide after being sacked by Bradford Bulls in September, has been offered another chance to resurrect his career with the ambitious Championship club.

Former Hull FC wideman Raynor, handed a 15-month prison sentence in 2010 following a £36,500 internet scam, was given the opportunity to shine at Odsal last season after being released early from prison.

He impressed during his 20 Bradford appearances and earned a new deal for 2012 but the Super League club sacked him soon after when it became clear he had grown addicted to sleeping pills and alcohol.

The prospect of a further jail sentence if he failed to settle a £120,000 debt coupled with his ignominious Bulls exit left Raynor – 34 next month – thinking about taking his own life.

But, with help from his fiancee and a Sporting Chance counsellor, he has regained some order and an unperturbed Powell is delighted to sign him for 12 months.

“We had a similar scenario last year with Ben Cockayne,” he said, the player sacked by Hull KR who then helped Featherstone win the Championship Grand Final.

“People spoke about what he was like as a bloke and he was outstanding for us.

“Hopefully his career is back on track now he has signed for Wakefield Trinity, in Super League again, and I see something similar here with Gareth.

“In my conversations with him he has come across as a pretty humble guy who wants to play for Featherstone Rovers.

“Hopefully all the other stuff is put behind him and we can help him continue to grow as a player and a person.”

Powell played alongside Raynor when he first started out at Leeds Rhinos in 2000.

“I was coming to the end of my career and actually used to pick him up in Featherstone and take him to training,” he said.

“He had very little experience then but his career took off at Hull and Gareth is someone I’ve always seen in the Jason Robinson mould.

“There’s no doubt he’s a high-quality performer and we’re looking forward to having him here.”