Whitehaven confirm new deal for Tom Wilkinson

Whitehaven have announced forward Tom Wilkinson has signed a new deal for the 2022 season.

Wilkinson, who was voted the club’s Player of the Year in 2021, has played a big part in the club’s recent success.

He played 22 games, scoring three tries, including the winner against Oldham in July. Wilkinson also played from the start in Whitehaven’s playoff defeat against Halifax Panthers.

The 25-year-old initially signed for the club from community side Askam in 2018. He made 19 appearances as the club were promoted from League One as champions.

He also made five appearances for the club in 2020 before the season was voided.

On his re-signing, he told the club website:“I’m really happy to have signed for another year, I think I have shown the fans what to expect from me now and I just want to keep on doing it.”

Head Coach Jonty Gorley added:”What you all witnessed at the end of this season, in seeing Wilko pick up all the awards, was something that I already knew about Tom. He’s a genuine player who deserves all the accolades he gets.

“Even going back to when I joined in 2019, Wilko was a target because I knew what he could bring. I coached him as a kid and I knew back then he had a future in the game.

“Tom is one of them players who gets on with his job and does this really well. If I had a squad full of players with Wilkinson’s attitude, work ethic and commitment I’d be a happy coach.”

A new era at Whitehaven

With the already high-profile departures of Louis Jouffret and Lachlan Walmsley to Halifax, this will be a much welcome addition for the Cumbrian side.

They are starting to build for 2022. Geronimo Doyle has signed from Swinton, along with Newcastle pair Kieran Hudson and Liam McAvoy.

Meanwhile, Ryan King and Nikau Williams have also signed up for more in Whitehaven.

Read More: Geronimo Doyle makes switch to Whitehaven