CHORLEY Lynx have boosted their squad ahead of the new season by signing former Warrington and Widnes winger Rob Smyth.

The 26-year-old former Super League player has signed a 12 month contract with Lynx after joining the club on a free transfer.

Lynx coach Mark Lee said Smyth will bring some much-needed experience to his new-look side.

He said: "We had been negotiating with Rob for a quite a few weeks and the deal had to be right for both parties.

"He brings a wealth of experience with him and hopefully the young lads in the squad will feed off that."

A host of new arrivals at the club include Lee Patterson also from Warrington, Dave Cunliffe from Liverpool St Helens RUFC, Gareth Jones from Wigan as well as Anthony Murray and Neil Alexander from Workington.

Nine players have left Victory Park and coach Mark Lee is still looking to bring in more new faces for the season ahead.

He said: "There are a few more irons in the fire concerning new players coming to the club and I am looking to bring in one or two more new recruits as we currently have a very young side."

Preparations have begun for the new season, with a friendly against Widnes on Sunday at Victory Park being the first chance for fans to see the new players in action.

Chorley's first competitive game takes place on February 2 at Oldham in the Arriva Trains Trophy.

This is followed by an intriguing home tie against Locomotiv Moscow in the Powergen Challenge Cup on Friday, February 6.

Lee admits he doesn't know much about the Russian side but is confident Lynx have a good chance of winning the tie. "All we have on them is a couple of videos from last season.

"But I know that if we play to the best of our abilities then we have a good chance of beating them."

As far as the league is concerned, Lee is hoping his new squad can consolidate on last season's successes.

"It's going to take time for the squad to get used to each other and gel together, but pre-season training has been very positive and the lads have been playing really well."

The game against Widnes on Sunday starts at 3pm.

There will also be a race night at Victory Park on Friday January 23 at 8pm where fans can meet and greet the squad.