Hunslet make 'marquee signing' from Dewsbury Rams

Ryder, 33, has joined the Parksiders from Dewsbury Rams on a two-year contract.

“This is a marquee signing and shows our intent and ambition,” Kilshaw said. “Adam is a Championship centre, there’s no doubt about that.

“He is coming into his prime years, was chased by a number of clubs and has been a stand-out for Dewsbury, in a struggling side, for the last few seasons.

“He has bought into what we are trying to achieve here and wants to be a big part of it. Adam brings that x-factor with the ball as a huge strike player and his on-field experience and attitude off the field, will be a massive plus for us.”

Ryder, who qualifies for German through a grandmother who was born there, said: “I was looking for a new challenge and I’m excited about joining Hunslet.

“It came over very strongly when I spoke to head coach Alan Kilshaw that this is a club with ambitions and I’m looking forward to being part of a successful squad and contributing to our bid to gain promotion next season.”

Ryder added: “I love training as well as playing and doing the tough stuff. I’ve always looked after myself and I like to do some training before formal training starts and a bit extra afterwards.

“I believe that it’s those added five per cents that make a difference to performance. Seeing a senior player take the lead that way can help point younger players in the right direction.”