Whitehaven hand deal to Scotland World Cup hopeful

Whitehaven have given a new one-year deal to Scotland World Cup hopeful Guy Graham.

The prop initially joined the Championship club on trial in the early stages of the 2020 season. He has previously played rugby union with Newcastle Falcons.

Graham impressed in his debut season in rugby league. He ended 2021 by gaining selection in the Scotland squad for the end of season international against Jamaica.

Whitehaven boss delighted to retain Guy Graham

Whitehaven coach Jonty Gorley said: “When Guy came to us last year he had never played a game of rugby league. Even so, in the first few games he played you could see he had something about him defensively.

“He has got a real good front on technique that can cut people in two. After he trained and played just a few games he started looking more comfortable with the ball and knew his positional specific job.

“When you look at what Guy did last season – he was a regular starter, a confident uncompromising front-rower and eventually got in the Scotland squad. It wasn’t a bad outcome for only playing a handful of rugby league games.

“Once Guy gets a rugby league pre-season into him I think he will come on leaps and bounds. He will be a valued member of my squad and I more than happy he’s chosen to stay with us.”

Elsewhere in the Championship: London Broncos win race for Cook Islands star

London Broncos have won the race to secure the services of Cook Islands international Paul Ulberg.

The 26-year-old winger has joined the capital club on a one-year deal for the 2022 Championship season.

New Zealand-born Ulberg will be hoping to have a big season for the Broncos so he can make the Cook Islands squad for the World Cup next autumn.

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