WHITEFIELD-based Swinton Lions RLFC will signal the opening of their 2006 season with a friendly against Superleague side Warrington Wolves at Park Lane next Wednesday, January 11, kick-off 7.30pm.

They will then follow it up with another friendly, this time against fierce rivals Salford Reds, at the Willows on Sunday, February 5, kick-off 3pm.

Coach Paul Kidd, as well as becoming a father, has been busy formulating his squad for the forthcoming season and now has the bulk of it assembled.

The latest signings are second rowers Jordan James and Mike Stout.

James, a Welsh international spent last year at Castleford Tigers after signing from Sheffield Eagles, while Stout has joined from Widnes Vikings Academy and last year played in the Senior Academy Grand Final at Headingley.

They join prop Richard Marshall, an experienced campaigner who includes stints with Superleague sides Huddersfield Giants and the London Broncos on his playing CV and joins from Leigh, while centre/second row Dave Ashton joins from Warringtons Academy, where he was last seasons player-of-the-year.

Local lad and Welsh International Chris Morley has signed from Halifax and stand-off Liam McGovern, who toured Australia with the GB Youth squad in 2001, has joined from Blackpool Panthers.

They are added to Rochdale trio Dave Alstead, John Braddish and Andy Saywell.

Alstead, a utility back, has played Super League with Warrington, as has stand-off Braddish, who started his career with St Helens, while full-back/winger Saywell arrived at Rochdale from Widnes amateur side Crosfields in 2004.

The squad currently looks like this: BACKS: David Alstead, (centre), David Ashton, (centre/second row), Marlon Billy (wing), John Braddish, (stand off/loose forward), Mick Coates, (stand off/scrum half), Wayne English (fullback), Dave Llewellyn (centre), Liam McGovern (stand-off), Stuart Oldham (wing), Andy Saywell, (wing/fullback), Ian Watson, (scrum half/hooker).

FORWARDS: Andy Crabtree (hooker), Craig Farrimond, (second row), Jordan James (second row), Richard Marshall, (prop/second row), Chris Morley (second row), Ian Parry (prop), Wes Rogers (prop), Ian Sinfield, (second row/prop), Kris Smith (loose forward/second row), Mike Stout, (second row)

l Season ticket prices for the forthcoming campaign are: Adult Ground £120, Adult Ground and Stand £140, Concession (including students with a valid pass) Ground £60, Concession Ground and Stand £80, Junior Ground (when available) will be priced at £30, (this includes admission into home and away League and Northern Rail games along with selected cup matches)