Wildcats
bring in Betham

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have confirmed the signing of Kiwi international Monty Betham, 27, on a two-year contract from New Zealand Warriors for the start of the 2006 Super League season.

Betham, who is vice-captain of the Warriors, is a tough, uncompromising player who can play at loose-forward, lock or hooker. He has made 101 appearances for the Warriors whom he joined and made his NRL debut with in 1999.

Wildcats chief executive Diane Rogerson said: "We are delighted to have signed Monty on a two-year contract. We identified him early on as someone who could be a hugely influential player for us and we cannot wait to see him in a Wildcats shirt."

Head coach Tony Smith added: "Monty is a fantastic addition to the squad. I am looking forward to coaching him, he is a no-nonsense competitor who will bring great experience and leadership to our squad."

Betham has represented both the New Zealand and Samoan national teams, and as a Samoan he will not count on the Wildcats overseas quota. A man once described as the player that opposition players least want to pick a fight with, he is sure to become a crowd favorite at Belle Vue.

The Wildcats have also signed Junior Academy prodigy Dale Ferguson on a three-year contract.

Ferguson, 17, is a skillful loose-forward who has impressed in the Junior Academy Championship and has gained places in the Yorkshire Under 17 and Under 18 squads, and he has also been selected in the Under 18 England squad to take on Australia in November.

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Thanks to www.superleague.co.uk for this news.