PAUL March has hailed Ritchie Hawkyard as one of the “best full backs outside of Super League” and tipped him to play a pivotal role in Cougars’ promotion bid.

Hawkyard has signed from Swinton Lions along with brother Darren and he comes with a fine pedigree.

The 29-year-old began his career in Super League with Bradford and made his debut for the Bulls against home-town club Huddersfield in 2007.

Hawkyard and his brother Darren helped the Lions to promotion from League One after they beat March's side in the Play-Off Final at Widnes at the end of last season.

March said: “I class Ritchie Hawkyard as one of the best full backs outside of Super League.

“He comes with a lot of experience as well and he has been a target of mine for a long time.

“I’m glad that he has come here and with all the players who have stayed, and the new ones who have come in, there is great competition for places.

“You can see that in pre-season training now – people working hard and knowing that it’s going to be a tough season ahead for everyone.

“It’s my job to make sure that everyone is ready to play and manage them for when the games come about.”

Significantly, Ritchie Hawkyard can play in a variety of positions and March believes the player’s versatility will serve Cougars well in 2016.

He added: “With Ritchie, it’s one of them where he can play anywhere – full-back, half-back and on the wing.

“He can play hooker too, so he will be a very valuable addition to the squad with the experience that he will bring.

“He knows how to win finals, as he showed in beating us lot with Swinton in last season’s final at Widnes.”