Whitehaven confirm 2022 captain
Whitehaven have confirmed the appointment of Karl Dixon as club captain for the 2022 Championship season.
He takes the role from Marc Shackley, who retired at the end of last season due to a knee injury.
Callum Phillips will remain in his role as vice captain.
Dixon will wear number six at Whitehaven in 2022, who have completed several signings during the off-season.
Geronimo Doyle makes the move from Swinton and has received the number one shirt. Another new signing includes Liam McAvoy, who will wear the eight shirt.
“I think we’ve got the squad to really compete”
On his appointment, Dixon said: “I’m absolutely chuffed to be asked to captain my hometown team. I was captain for a chunk of the season last season when Shacks (Shackley) was injured and really enjoyed it. “Hopefully we have as much success as last year if not better.
“Big thanks to Jonty (Gorley) and the staff for picking me hopefully i can do them proud.”
“It’s going to be a tough season with the quality everyone’s brought in but we’ve signed very well. I think we’ve got the squad to really compete this year.”
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Jonty Gorley on latest appointment
Whitehaven head coach Jonty Gorley said: “The decision to make Karl my captain this season was quite an easy choice to make if I’m being honest.
“Karl is a natural leader, both by example and by the way he is around the other lads, at training and on game days.
“Karl stood in last year when we lost some experience when Shacks, Gregg and Callum were missing for quite a few games and he took to the role no problem.
“He has taken to the professional game like I knew he would and I haven’t a problem with him leading my team this year.
“I’m looking for my captain, vice captain and a senior group, along with some of the other experienced lads in the squad, to help support me and my coaching staff drive standards at the club to make sure we’re going in the right direction on and off the field.”
Phillips remains vice captain
Scottish international Phillips joined the club for the 2018 season. He will be moving into his fifth season with Whitehaven and will remain in his role as vice captain.
“It’s an honour to be named vice caption again, he said.”
“I think Dicko (Karl Dixon) is a great shout for captain and I’m looking forward to having that partnership with him.
“We all know it’s going to be a tough season but feel like Jonty is putting everything in place for it to be a successful one and I’m looking forward to it.”