Whitehaven snatch Sam Forrester from rivals Workington

Whitehaven have signed Workington winger Sam Forrester for 2019.

Forrester won the Most Improved award at Town’s end-of-season dinner after bagging 13 tries in 20 appearances in League 1 last season, helping the club reach the play-off finals.

He started his career at Marypot ARL and gained international honours with England Community Lions, touring South Africa and Lebanon, and then with BARLA, touring Australia.

On his move across Cumbria to Whitehaven, Forrester said: “I’m excited for the new challenge of what lies ahead for me at Whiteheaven.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season and meeting all the lads.

“There is some great people at Workington Town and I wish them all the best for the future.”

Haven coach Gary Charlton commented: “Sam is someone that all the coaching team wanted as we see him as a big piece of the jigsaw that we are putting together.

“He has pace to burn and also great lines of running, so put that with good defence and an ability to play under pressure — he’s a great signing for the club.”

Forrester is the first new member of Whitehaven’s 2019 squad, with more transfers set to be announced over the coming weeks.