FEATHERSTONE Rovers have made three high-profile signings on the eve of their season opener against York City Knights, including former York prop Adam Cuthbertson.

Cuthbertson played 15 times for York last year after joining from Leeds Rhinos.

The Australian's move to Betfred Championship promotion favourites Featherstone sees him link up again with head coach Brian McDermott, who joined Rovers during the off-season.

The pair enjoyed hugely successful spells at Leeds, winning a total of 13 major honours between them.

Cuthbertson will serve as a player-coach at Featherstone. It is also understood that he left his role as York City Knights Ladies head of performance at the end of last season.

The 36-year-old could feature for Fev against York in the two club's 2022 Championship round one clash at the LNER Community Stadium on Monday evening (7.45pm).

McDermott, who returns to coaching after the withdrawal of Toronto Wolfpack in 2020, said: "I'm pleased to have got Adam on board. He comes to us as both player and coach.

"As a coach, Adam has already got great experience while coaching the women's teams of both Rhinos and York and he is keen to progress further with Featherstone Rovers.

"He's demonstrated to me quite clearly that he's got a big year in him.

"He's clearly fired up and raring to go for one final challenge."

Cuthbertson said: "The chance to work with Mac again was for me a brilliant opportunity.

"We've got a great relationship which continued well after our time at Leeds.

"With a passion for performance and coaching it was a no-brainer for me when Mac approached me about joining him at Featherstone as a player-coach.

"I certainly feel like I've something left in me that I want to show.

"There's a fire in there that hasn't gone out so I'm raring to go for one last challenge."

Featherstone have also brought in half-back Ryley Jacks and prop forward Ben Mathiou.

Canada international Jacks has played almost 50 times in the NRL for Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans.

Mathiou meanwhile is the son of former Leeds forward Jamie Mathiou and has recently played for Queensland club Norths Devils.