Forward Harrison makes switch from Batley to 'bigger club' Feathertsone

FEATHERSTONE Rovers have signed Batley Bulldogs second-rower James Harrison for the 2019 season.
James HarrisonJames Harrison
James Harrison

The 22-year-old, who has made more than 60 appearances in the Betfred Championship, has joined Featherstone on a one-year contract.

Son of former Great Britain and Rovers prop Karl Harrison, he said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of stepping up to a big club like Featherstone, who play in front of big crowds.

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“I’m really just looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season now.

“Whenever Featherstone come to Batley their fans make it feel like a home game for them, so I’m really looking forward to playing in front of them every week.”

He added: “I’ve had three good years at Batley, particularly taking on Super League sides in The Qualifiers.

“I learned a lot, especially under John Kear in that first year, but I feel like I’m ready to move on and test myself at a bigger club now.

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“One of the main reasons I wanted to come to Featherstone was to play outside the half-backs they’ve got.

“Obviously Martyn Ridyard’s really experienced and with Ase and Watson Boas joining from Papua New Guinea, I think we’re in for some really exciting times.

Of his family connection to Rovers, Harrison said: “Coming from a rugby league family means I’ve played it all my life, but I’ve always wanted to make a career off my own back, rather than through my dad’s name.

“His career went up another level at Featherstone though, so I think this is an area where I could follow in his footsteps.”

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The Bradford Bulls Academy product has scored 17 tries for Batley and has also proved his versatility when covering at prop.

Rovers head coach John Duffy said: “James is a player who we have been looking at all year.

“He’s very capable in the back-row or down the middle and we know he can do big minutes for us.

“He comes from good stock and just wants to progress in his career.

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“I’m looking forward to a big preseason from him and him adding value to us.

“He’s got a big future ahead of him. Quite a few clubs were after him and we’re lucky to have got his signature.

”There was competition from a club in the Qualifiers, but we’ve been looking at him for a long time and are very pleased to have him coming to Featherstone.”