Whitehaven secure exciting half-back partnership for 2021

Highly-rated half-back Karl Dixon has agreed a new deal with Whitehaven for 2021.

Dixon, 27, joined the Championship side from Wath Brow Hornets, where he was rated one of the top amateur players in the country, and will forge an exciting half-back partnership with new signing, Kiwi Nikau Williams next season.

Assistant Coach, Jonty Gorley, said: “I’m absolutely buzzing about Karl signing back on with Whitehaven for next season. Obviously other clubs were interested but I think the draw of the Championship helped us secure his signature and there’s no doubt he fits right in at that level.

“He proved this season, in a handful of games, what an asset he could be for us and playing next year he will only improve, especially with Nikau coming over, it would be good to see them gel. When Karl has the ball in hand he is a massive threat, he is a big lad who has a great running game and he can also find the right pass. He proved to be a handy defender on our left side too.

“He is an integral part of what we want to achieve at Haven. He signed last year as the top amateur in the area, if not in the country, so it’s now time to kick on.”

Dixon scored two tries in four appearances for Whitehaven in the since cancelled 2020 Championship season.

Former Canterbury Bulldogs junior Williams penned a one-year deal at the Recreation Ground last week.

The 20-year-old grew up in Auckland and moved on to Melbourne and then the Bulldogs, while he most recently played in the Canterbury Cup for Newtown Jets.