Hunslet’s already impressive team-building plans for 2020 have been given a further massive lift with the capture of highly rated prop forward Jack Aldous from Newcastle Thunder.
Aldous, 28, who is sponsored by Fletcher Smith Insurance Brokers, has put pen to paper on a one-year deal.
The packman played 22 games for Thunder last season and Hunslet’s Head Coach Gary Thornton said: “I am absolutely delighted to have signed a player of Jack’s undoubted ability and vast experience.
“This is a major signing for us. He is a proven performer at Betfred League 1 and has been an integral part of Newcastle’s pack for the past few seasons, having previously impressed at York, where I coached him in 2014.”
He added: “Jack is really well respected within the game and I know he was a target for other clubs, including a couple of high profile Championship clubs, so his decision to join us is a real coup.
“He is an experienced middle unit player who never takes a backward step and will get us on the front foot in attack with his agile footwork at the line and his ability to get a quick play the ball. On top of that he will also be a huge benefit to our young front rowers who will learn from his knowledge and his attitude; he will be a role model for those young guys.”
Aldous, who was produced by East Hull before spending a few seasons at Hull FC, said: “I had three good years at Newcastle but the travel was getting to me a bit. I fancied being somewhere nearer home and I’d always enjoyed playing against Hunslet.
“I knew a few of the players, such as Josh Tonks and Jack Lee, and I’d really enjoyed playing under Gary Thornton at York, when we topped the league.
“I think that at 28 years of age I’m now coming into my prime. I’ve lots of experience behind me and I’m happy to do whatever is needed for the cause, whether that’s playing for the full 80 minutes or, as Simon Finnigan at Newcastle began to prefer last season, coming off the bench.
“Whatever’s best for the team comes first; I’m hoping for a big year and helping take Hunslet to the next step after having missed out on promotion last season.”
