Bears make a host of new signings before the New Year
six more players JOIN the Bears squad
Pictured from left; Eddie Medforth, Nick Taylor, Andy Winfield, Liam Thompson, Cameron Boulter and Ryan Jenkins.
COVENTRY BEARS HEAD COACH TOM TSANG COMMENTED ON THE NEW SIGNINGS;
EDDIE MEDFORTH & NICK TAYLOR-CENTRES
Medforth and Taylor were both picked up through the clubs recent trials process and have impressed the Bears coaching staff from day one.
"Eddie and Nick both trialed for us in Coventry in November." said head coach Tom Tsang.
"They stood out in all aspects of the trials and were among the first from that process that we offered contracts to. Both are very different players, but have some significant strengths in their own right. What they do share though is a fantastic attitude and that is what stood out from the start.
"Eddie is a stocky and powerful centre with great footwork and agility and is already displaying a good work ethic. Nick is a bit bigger, and can also cover second row is needed.
"They have been good value in training so far and I am looking forward to working with them through the season and I am sure they will be a success in this league."
Both players hail from Wakefield and have experience of professional rugby league having both featured for Sheffield Eagles U19's last season while Nick has previously spent time with Wakefield Wildcats. The pair will be re-locating to Coventry in the New Year and are really looking forward to a new challenge.
"I'm really excited for the chance to test myself in a new League and a new club. I can’t wait to get through pre-season and build towards the opening fixtures." said Medforth.
Taylor added, "I'm really excited about joining the Bears - I'm very impressed with the set-up and what they are wanting to achieve. I can’t wait to move to Coventry and test myself in League One."
ANDY WINFIELD-HALFBACK/UTILITY BACK
"Andy is another player who impressed at trials. He is a halfback who has spent the last two seasons signed with Oxford so he has been in a professional environment before and again has impressed us with his enthusiasm and attitude. Andy can also play as an outside back and I wouldn't be suprised if he emerged as a great choice at fullback."
Andy commented, "I followed the progress of the team closely last year and am now delighted to have signed with Coventry. I have been impressed with the professionalism of the set up and am looking forward to getting stuck into the preseason games in the new year. Moving up to league one will be challenging, but we have an excellent squad in place and the boys have been training hard to ensure we get off to a good start in both the cup and the league."
LIAM THOMPSON-SECOND ROW
"Liam is a player that I went out of my way to bring to the club. I have worked with him before when he was a player in the England Universities side that reached the final of the Student World Cup last year. Tommo hails from Leeds and has learnt his trade playing for the famous Queens RL club as well as being a regular for Leeds Becketts University. He is a 'no-nonsense' type of player - very tough and hard working and willing to do the dirty work for the good of the team. He will be a great addition to the side."
Thompson said, "I'm thankful to Tom and Coventry Bears for giving me an opportunity with the club. League One is a great competition and I am really looking forward to the experience of playing at this level and the challenges ahead."
CAMERON BOULTER-HALFBACK
"Cameron was recommended to us by good sources as a scrum half with great potential. Cameron is from Runshaw in the North West and while he hasn't had much exposure in a professional environment, he has excelled in other arena's, captaining the 2014 England Colleges side. He was a standout in the trials and clearly has an impressive skill-set for an 18 year old and is full of confidence. Cameron has been training hard so far and will be pushing for a starting spot in the all-important halfback role."
Cameron said “It has been an incredible 6 months for me. I was immensely proud to have been selected as Captain for the U-19’s England College squad back in July and now being invited to sign for The Coventry Bears for their first season in Kingstone Press League 1 has topped things off. I am ready to give it my all in preparation for the 2015 season”
RYAN JENKINS-PROP
"Ryan has been playing for the Bears for a few years now and as the Bears have progressed through the divisions, so too has Ryan stepped up his performances. As a front rower, Ryan will need to once again attain a higher level than he has in the past. We believe he has the mindset and character to do this. He is another local player who we are pleased to give an opportunity to."
Ryan said 'It has been a huge effort by the club to raise the level and be part of this new era of professional Rugby League. I know the lads will put in the same effort and it is great for the fans to see some familiar faces make the step up. I am looking forward to these new challenges and it is a great honour to be part of it. Onwards and upwards".