CENTURIONS head to Batley on Sunday buoyed by news two more squad members have committed their future to the club.

Youngster Joe Bullock and experienced forward Martin Aspinwall are the latest players to sign for Centurions full-time for next season.

Bullock has been a regular for Barrow this term impressing everyone with his play in Cumbria.

Head coach Paul Rowley said: "Joe is a big, athletic player who we see as a long-term project.

“He started off with us, then went to Wigan but since coming back to the LSV he has made big strides.

“Barrow have been delighted with him this year and we have been closely monitoring his performances for them.

"Joe is an up and coming player who will really benefit from going full-time. He fits into the category of five or six young players – including Chris Hankinson and Jamie Tracey – that we are looking to develop.

“Playing at Barrow, he has toughened up to the weekly rigours of the Championship. He has the raw ingredients and we aim to bring out his full potential."

Centurions’ head of rugby Derek Beaumont added: "Joe has done well at Barrow and we believe he is an investment for the future.

“We believe being in a full-time environment will be in his best interests and shows we are prepared to do what we need to do to get him to be the player we want him to be."

On the signature of Aspinwall, Rowley added: "Martin is experienced in full time environments and that experience will prove invaluable.

“Even when he has spent time away from the club it was never a case of out of sight, out of mind.

“Like with Joe Bullock we had a plan and someone like Martin is far too good to be playing reserve grade.

"I'm pleased he took what we said onboard for his loan spell and he's played himself into some real form.

"When considering players I look at whether they will improve another club and Martin certainly would."

Salford back Michael Platt joins Centurions on loan for the remainder of the season and the former Rochdale, Castleford and Bradford back has signed a two year full-time deal with Centurions beginning in December.

Rowley said: "We identified one area where we needed to add more competition and that was the centre berth.

“It's a difficult area to fill and has become something of a niche position in Rugby League.

"In acquiring Michael's services we have someone who is renowned as a fantastic trainer and athlete. He will add strike power and competition to our edge."

The trip to Batley is usually considered a daunting prospect and Rowley had some very complimentary views on the Bulldogs.

"Batley are a strong team that have strengthened considerably as the season has gone on,” he explained. "They have been in some good form over the last 10 matches and we would be foolish to expect what we got at the LSV again.

"It's always tough going to Mount Pleasant at the best of times and we expect nothing different."