After the disappointment of losing two overseas players, Whitehaven have been able to announce the re-signing of a third.
Alex Bishop has signed a new 12-month contract which will see the Australian half-back remain at the LEL Arena for the 2023 season.
Fellow Australian Ryan King and Kiwi Nikau Williams are leaving to join other clubs in the 2023 season.
Bishop who made nine appearances, scoring three tries and kicking 21 goals in the season just ended, was unfortunate to have his debut campaign curtailed in the final seconds of the Challenge Cup tie against St Helens.
His kneecap was shattered in an innocuous looking tackle and he said: “I was devastated for my season to end the way it did but I’m happy to be at Whitehaven next season and looking forward to getting back to playing.”
Bishop has spent his time on the sidelines being fully integrated with the club’s community work running summer caps alongside the Copeland development foundation as well being involved with the West Cumbria Development side and the girls’ future programme.
Interim CEO Ashley Kilpatrick said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to tie Alex down for another 12 months. I think we were just starting to see the best of Alex before his injury against St Helens.
“Alex has bought into what we are doing with the community stuff and has been coaching the development squad along with Will Evans and the girls side along with Claire Hall.
“I think next season we will see the best of Bish coming back off this injury, he’s keen to get back out on the field and show us what he can do.”
