Whitehaven Rugby League have swooped to make three signings for the 2023 Championship season.
An Australian, a Fijian and a familiar face make up the new trio to boost Jonty Gorley’s squad following the departure of six players.
Joining Haven are Lachlan Lanskey, Lasarusa Tabu and Josh Eaves on deals for the 2023 Championship campaign.
Forward Lanskey comes to Cumbria having come through the junior systems at NRL side Brisbane Broncos as well as representing Queensland at Under 16’s, Under 18’s and Under 20’s levels.
Interim chief executive Ashley Kilpatrick said: “We’re delighted to able to bring a player of the quality of Lachlan over from Australia. He comes highly recommended to us.
“Lachlan has played for Queensland’s age group sides and also been at Brisbane right through their systems and people in Australia tell us he was very unlucky to not play NRL for them.
“He’s been playing for Brisbane Tigers in the Queensland cup and speaking to Lachlan he’s excited about the prospect of coming over.
“He was meant to come over a couple of years ago to a Super League side but that move fell through for him at the time. He’s a back rower but can play in the middle if we need him too.”
Fijian prop forward Lasarusa Tabu joins the club having played in the Elite 1 competition in France since 2017 for Albi, Villeneuve and latterly Carcassonne. He had been named in the train-on squad for Fiji for this year’s World Cup but missed out on the final selection.
Kilpatrick said: “We are ecstatic to be able to bring Las over after he has been playing in France in Elite 1 for the past few seasons.
“Las is a big rough front rower, a typical Fijian forward who hits hard and runs even harder. I really can’t wait to see him play for us.
“After speaking to Las I know he’s excited about coming over to the UK and show what he can do.”
The third recruit is Josh Eaves who is returning for his second spell after making his professional debut with the club back in 2018 after signing on loan from St Helens.
The hooker made 23 appearances scoring eight tries in the League 1 campaign. In the 2022 season just ended Eaves spent it with Championship rivals Newcastle Thunder, scoring eight tries in 27 games including a try in both encounters with Haven.
Kilpatrick said: “It’s great to get Josh back to the club. He was good for us when he was on loan here in 2018 and he tells me loved his time here then.
“Obviously with what’s happened at Newcastle Josh sees his future away from there and has signed for us. He has played in Super League since his time with us for St Helens, Leigh and Wakefield and this season he has became an established Championship hooker in his time at Newcastle.”
KiIpatrick made a point of thanking the club’s Vice Presidents for helping to get the three players sorted for the 2023 season.
“Their continued support is very much appreciated,” he said.
