Monday 24 November 2014 22:29, UK
Salford Red Devils have bolstered their forward options for the 2015 Super League season with the addition of Cory Paterson.
The 27-year-old former Hull KR man originally left Wests Tigers at the end of the 2014 season to pursue a career in professional boxing.
Earlier in November Paterson won his second fight with a first round TKO, but will now make an immediate return to rugby league for next season.
Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash told the club’s official website: “It became apparent this week that Cory wanted not only to get back into rugby league but also that he really wanted to do so with us.
“The deal has moved very quickly and Cory will join us in January on a one-year deal with an option of a second.
“It is a great opportunity for both parties. Cory will come in and make our pack even stronger and for him it allows him the opportunity to continue to prove himself at the highest level.”
Paterson, who has made over 100 appearances in the NRL is the Devils second signing in the space of a few days, following the capture of Scott Taylor from Wigan Warriors.
He will compete for back-row spots with internationals Gareth Hock, Weller Hauraki and Harrison Hansen who themselves will be pushed by the array of up and coming British.
Koukash continued: “This has been the second year of massive personal investment from me into our squad and we are all very excited about 2015.
“It is now up the supporter’s to turn out in great numbers, bringing their friends and family along to see what it is we are building here. We need their assistance now in the next stage of growing the Red Devils into one of the biggest names in the sport.”