Sheffield sign Richie Barnett

Monday 15th February 2010

Above: Richie Barnett carrying the ball in his days with Salford.

Sheffield Eagles have confirmed the signing of former Super League winger Richie Barnett - only hours after his two-year dugs ban ended at midnight on Sunday.

Coach of the Championship club Mark Aston said a one-year deal had been agreed. He added: "Richie is available and will join the club - he's a proven try scorer and wants to show that he can play in the Super League again."

The former Hull, Warrington and Salford winger was banned in February 2008 after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug the previous year.

The player has always protested his innocence and blamed an error over a herbal supplement.

Barnett, now 28, is a former student international who also had spells at Widnes and Gateshead. He had a high tries-to-games ratio - 40 tries in 69 Super League appearances for Hull, Warrington and Salford.