Luke Broster, who was on trial at Workington Town during pre-season, has signed a 12-month contract with League One West Wales Raiders.
The 21-year-old forward has been playing with Ellenborough Rangers in the Cumberland ARL and helped them to last season’s title.
Originally from Liverpool he moved to Cockermouth at the age of six, hence his nickname of Scouse, which has stuck.
In Cockermouth he started playing his rugby at both codes, with Cockermouth Wasps (union) and Cockermouth Titans (league) and played at county level up to Under-19s at both codes.
His potential was spotted by Newcastle Thunder where he played in their Academy side for three years where he was a member of the North East Cup-winning side.
He also gained experience with Gateshead Storm in the National Conference before being released and joined Ellenborough in the Cumberland ARL where he has won their club’s Youg Player of the Year.
During the winter he has been training with Workington Town and was one of three trialists coach Chris Thorman used in the game at Barrow.
He was approached by West Wales about joining them for the League One season ahead as they were re-building and looking for a young, hard-hitting prop forward.
Consequently he made the decision to sign for the Llanelli-based club and hopes to gain valuable game time in League One to progress in the pro ranks.
An apprentice bricklayer in Maryport, where he now lives, he is actually moving to Llanelli this coming weekend.
Broster was not involved in West Wales opening game yesterday when they were unceremoniously booted out of the Challenge Cup with a 96-0 home defeat by Swinton Lions.
West Wales gave debuts to eight players and Broster will be among a clutch of new recruits looking to help end the club’s dismal reputation as League One whipping boys.
