Fax sign Grady, retain Barber for 2017

Grady, who began his career at Widnes, spent three years with the Rams, but played arguably his best rugby in 2016 after being switched to the pack by coach Glenn Morrison.

The 26 year old, who had already announced his arrival on social media, should help solve what was a weekly dilemma for Fax coach Richard Marshall this season, who struggled for back row options for much of the year.

“Shane is a tough, no-nonsense kind of player who we see as a back row forward, who can also give us options in the centre,” said Fax’s football director Ian Croad.

“In my mind he’s another Dane Manning who will do a great job for us.”

Fax have also re-signed another similar talent, with former Elland amateur Ed Barber putting pen to paper for next year.

“Ed really earned his new contract with some great games in the second row, where he scored some great tries for us,” said coach Richard Marshall.

“He also covered at centre on more than one occasion and was deadly in that position with his strength and speed.

“Having Shane and Ed giving us options like that is vital in the smaller squad that we’re bound to have next season.”