Karl Olstrom rejoins Whitehaven

Kevin Hetherington, assistant coach, Jonty Gorley, head coach, Karl Olstrom and Stephen Kirkbride, assistant coach

Karl Olstrom has rejoined Whitehaven after impressing in regular training sessions with the Betfred Championship club.

The 29-year-old forward has always been regarded as an immensely talented forward, but whose career has been blighted by off-field issues.

This will be his third spell with Whitehaven while he’s also been with neighbours Workington Town on two separate occasions.

He will go straight into coach Jonty Gorley’s plans for the weekend game at home to Sheffield on Sunday.

Olstrom returns to the LEL Arena following a break away from rugby league.

He picked up an injury in the Championship fixture against Oldham at Stalybridge last season and then decided to step away from the professional game. He has now been back with the club for several weeks of training and has signed a deal to resume playing.

Haven head coach Jonty Gorley said: “Karl has been training with us for about six weeks now. He has trained very well and never missed, earning himself a place in my squad. Karl brings plenty of enthusiasm and is always one of the fittest and strongest.

“If Karl continues to train as he is, he will no doubt be a valuable member of the squad, as he can play a number of positions, although he is predominantly a middle forward. Karl, like the rest of the squad, has got the attributes to play championship rugby.”

Ashley Kilpatrick, a director and member of the football committee Ashley Kilpatrick said: “It’s great to have Karl back at the club. He picked up an injury that hampered him last season. He then took some time away from the game and then went back to Wath Brow.

“Since his return to the club he has trained the house down and he has really impressed Jonty and his staff.

“An on-fire Karl Olstrom is arguably one of the best forwards in the league. His work ethic and his engine are second to none. He brings that utility value to us as well. I can’t wait to see Karl back on the field representing his hometown club once again.”