Whitehaven have tied up a third Super League loan signing to tide them through a severe injury crisis.
Utility back Marcus Walker, 19, has signed on ahead of Saturday’s AB Sundecks 1895 cup fixture against Sheffield Eagles.
He joins hooker George Roby (Huddersfield) and prop Jack Bibby (Wigan) on a short term deal.
Walker, who is equally at home at full-back, centre or in the halves will become a part of Haven’s squad for the next few weeks.
Last weekend he secured the game-winning score for Hull’s reserves over Castleford Tigers playing at centre.
Walker has made one appearance for the senior team in the Super League so far away to Catalans Dragons last August.
After confirming the signing Haven head coach Jonty Gorley said: “With the injury to Alex Bishop I’ve felt the need to move Karl Dixon to half back.
“Because of this, and with Chris Taylor likely to be out for a lengthy spell, we need cover in the outside backs and Marcus will give us this.
“I spoke to Hull FC coach Brett Hodgson who said Marcus is a talented centre, who he’s hoping will thrive in the championship with us.”
Director, and member of the club’s football committee, Ashley Kilpatrick has been working tirelessly over the last two weeks alongside Gorley and director of rugby Gary Charlton, to strengthen the squad.
Speaking about Walker’s signing he said: “As a club, we would just like to thank Hull FC, in particular, James Clark and Brett Hodgson for agreeing to let Marcus join us for the next month.
“I’d also like to thank Jack Sutton who has been a massive help in making it happen.
“Marcus is a great young lad; he’s got a squad number at Hull FC; he’s played in their pre-season games and made his debut away to Catalans last season.
“He had a good game in France that day and stood up well. There aren’t many tougher places to make your debut in Super League.
“A huge thing for Marcus is he is coming to live here in Whitehaven for the next month while he is here and is going to be helping out with our development link up with Hull FC.
“He will be linking up with Lee Crooks, Nikau Williams and Will Evans in doing this.
“I’d really like to thank all three Super League clubs Huddersfield, Wigan and Hull FC and the guys involved.
“Andy Kelly and Ian Watson at Huddersfield; Matty Peet and Darrell Goulding at Wigan, as well as James Clark and Brett Hodgson at Hull, have answered our calls in a time of need and injury crisis for us.
“As a club, we are truly grateful for the help and it really is appreciated by us all.”
