Marcus O’Brien, a top performer for Workington Town, has joined neighbours Whitehaven for the 2023 Championship season.
The 29-year-old forward started his career as a 14-year-old with home-town club Millom and then spent two years in the National Conference League with Egremont Rangers.
A utility forward O’Brien spent three seasons at Derwent Park joining ahead of the curtailed 2020 season following a tour of New Zealand with the Community Lions.
O’Brien made 35 appearances for Workington across the three seasons scoring seven tries in his time at Derwent Park.
Last season when Town finished bottom of the Championship O’Brien was chosen as Player of the Year by the Workington Town Supporters Club and he also won the award for try of the season.
After completing his signing O’Brien said: “I’m really looking forward to playing in the Championship again.
“I’ve had a good few conversations with Jonty and I’m looking forward to playing for the club. I know a lot of the lads already here at Whitehaven and I’m looking forward to play with the local ones I know such as Newts, Callum, Jammer (Jamie Doran).
Cus doing Cus things. https://t.co/G2XAHmY3oW
— Workington Town (@WorkingtonTown) June 2, 2022
“I was really disappointed with the way last season panned out so I really want to have a good go next season.”
Head coach Jonty Gorley said: “It’s great to get Marcus on board for next season. I’ve always admired the way Marcus plays the game. Although only small in stature this takes nothing away from what he gives on the pitch.
“The way Marcus carries the ball puts the defenders under pressure because he is flat out and runs as though there’s nothing in front of him.
“Defensively Marcus has a great technique. It doesn’t matter who is coming at him his tackle selection is always spot-on.
“Even though we’ve lost a great player in Tom Wilkinson I see Marcus as the perfect replacement. The same as Wilko, he’ll do a great job as a middle and can also fill in at nine if needed.”
The Whitehaven board gave special mention again to the club’s Vice Presidents who have made this signing possible.
The fundraising undertaken by the Vice Presidents is enabling the club to put together a squad for 2023 to compete on the field.
