Papua New Guinea international Dion Aiye signs new long-term contract with Whitehaven

Josh McAllister
Dion Aiye

Papua New Guinea international Dion Aiye has signed a new three-year deal with Championship side Whitehaven.

The new contract will see him with Whitehaven until the end of 2025 and complete 10 years at the LEL Arena.

A fans’ favourite since joining the club ahead of the 2015 season, Aiye has racked up more than a half century of tries. He is now into is eighth season at the club.
He has won 10 caps for Papua New Guinea, having made his debut in 2009 against Fiji. The half-back also made three appearances for PNG during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

Whitehaven boss on Dion Aiye retention

Head coach Jonty Gorley said: “To get Dion signed up for the next three seasons is a massive boost for us. We need players of Dion’s calibre if we are to try to keep on improving.

“Everyone sees every week what Dion brings to the team. We are 100% a better team when he is on the pitch. His carries are strong and defensively there’s no-one better on his day. He is a bit of an X-factor for us and teams are wary when he plays.

“As a coach he is great to have. There are no negatives with him even though he’s not as young as he was. He is still one of the fittest and best trainers we have. He just goes out and does a job every time he trains and plays.”

Club director Ashley Kilpatrick added: “It’s amazing news to have Dion signed on for the next three seasons which will take him to 10 years at Whitehaven.

“What more can be said for Dion? He’s often our go to man, his defence, attack and character off the field have made him a fan favourite. 

“I think having Dion tied down for the next three years shows our intent going into next season to help us push into that top eight.”

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