Whitehaven have snapped up Workington Town’s centre/winger Curtis Teare ahead of Sunday’s Summer Bash clash at Headingley.
But an agreement is in place that Teare won’t play in the big game in Leeds.
It’s definitely a coup for Haven and a blow to Town as Teare was seen very much as a key young player for the club’s future.
The 23-year-old had signed a two-year deal with Town last November and Whitehaven have sorted-out a short-term deal until the end of the season.
A former England Community Lion he is in his first season in the professional game having signed from leading Cumbrian community club Wath Brow Hornets.
Teare has made 15 appearances for Workington this season scoring two tries, one of which came in his home debut in the defeat to Featherstone Rovers.
Teare has seen the majority of his action on the wing in 2022 but in recent weeks had made the move to his more natural centre position ahead of his move to the LEL Arena.
Head coach Jonty Gorley said: “Obviously Curtis was one of the best amateurs in the area and in fact the country at the time he signed for Workington.
“At that time we were also interested in him but Curtis opted to sign for Town.
“The predicament Town are in at the moment is well documented in the press. As an ex-Town player, coach and supporter I feel for them because I have personally been in that position twice, as a player and a coach, both times at Town.
“In times like these players have to make a decision and Curtis opted to activate the release clause in his contract.
“I spoke to Curtis and told him to have a think about his options and if he decided to be released I would definitely be interested in talking to him.
That opportunity happened.
“Curtis is a big lad, he has size and pace, so when when you’re an outside back with those attributes this is nothing but a positive. So I jumped at the chance to take Curtis for the rest of the season, I’m sure he’ll be a great asset to our squad.”
Interim CEO Ashley Kilpatrick has been busy completing the deal and said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have Curtis on board until the end of the season.
“He’s proven he’s a Championship quality player at Workington.
“Speaking to Curtis he can’t wait to get started at Whitehaven. He will give us some more speed out wide and can cover centre and wing for us.
“I want to thank Gary Murdock at Workington who’s been brilliant to deal with.”
Whitehaven’s board say they have to give a massive thank you to the Vice Presidents for helping them secure Teare’s signature for the remainder of the 2022 season.
