James Newton makes Whitehaven return

James Gordon

Whitehaven have signed hooker James Newton from Workington on a three-year deal.

Newton, 26, made more than 100 appearances for the club before joining their Cumbrian rivals at the start of last season.

He said: “This was a really hard decision for me to make but after serval discussions with the Workington board and Leon I felt coming back to Whitehaven would be best for me to play rugby week in week out with a smile on my face.

“The financial benefits of rugby are great but all I want to do is play every week and give 100% for whatever club that maybe.

“At Whitehaven it will feel like coming back home for me and my family and I want to get Whitehaven back in places they should be after the hard times they went through.

“I can’t wait to get stuck into pre season with Charlo, Jonty and the boys I am sure we will have some tough sessions coming our way through the coming weeks leading into the seasons starts.

“I hope this local based team can start bringing the crowds back into the Recre.”

Newton scored two tries in 27 appearances for Workington in 2018, and is the 18th player to commit to Whitehaven for 2019.

Coach Gary Charlton said: “James adds plenty of toughness and enthusiasm to our team he also possesses a good kicking game from dummy half as well as a decent turn of pace, we are really pleased to have him on board and will complement the other players in our squad.”