Swinton's Alex Hurst

Alex Hurst is ready to fight for his place at Swinton next season.

The 21-year-old three-quarter faces tough competition in the centre after the arrival of Tom Armstrong from St Helens and Adam Higson from Leigh.

But Hurst reckons his versatility will stand him in good stead.

“There will be competition for places and that’s why being able to play in various positions will help,” he said.

“I’m 100 percent committed to making a contribution any way I can, whether it be on the wing or in the forwards. I’ll do anything to get the shirt.

“I don’t care where I play as long as I get in the squad.”

He’s one of the younger players in the squad and believes his game can only get better playing in the Championship.

“I think playing in the centre developed the defensive side of my game quite a lot,” he said.

“Hopefully this season I can get the attacking side of my game going, score a few more tries, and contribute that way.”

This time last year Hurst was playing union for Sedgley Park as well as pre-season training with the Lions but this season he is concentrating on league.

“I decided to knock the rugby union on the head this year and try and get a full pre-season in with Swinton,” said the 20-year-old fullback, centre or wing.

“I want to get my preparation for the new season right, challenge for my place and make sure we do well again this year.

“It’s the right decision because we’ve moved up a league and will be up against better opposition and that’s something I have to be ready for.

“You need to be fresh and raring to go come the start of the season.

“I’ll have no distractions and I can fully focus on the challenge ahead.

“Hopefully I can improve my own performance as well as the team.”

Hurst was capped by Scotland in the autumn internationals after being called up by Steve McCormack – the Swinton coach.

He qualified through his grandmother and played against Ireland and France and said: “It was a brilliant experience.

“I played with some really good players and it was a good learning curve, especially against France with all their Super League players.

“We played at the Stade Brutus against most of the Catalans boys in front of 11,000 fans and it was an amazing experience.

“I scored against Ireland and I played fullback, which I haven’t played for a while, and it was good to play there because it keeps my options open.”