The departure of two more Workington Town players has been confirmed.
Star forward Conor Fitzsimmons has signed for York City Knights while Jake Lightowler has linked-up again with former Town coach Chris Thorman at Newcastle Thunder.
The 24-year-old was their stand-out performer last season in the Championship picking up a number of awards at the end-of-season presentation night.
Equally adept across most of the forward positions Fitzsimmons joins a side who were pushing towards the top end of the Championship last season – and are aiming higher for 2023.
Fitzsimmons joins York on a two-year deal and becomes the first new signing for head coach Andrew Henderson, who succeeded James Ford last week.
Although it was Ford who initially set-up the deal with Fitzsimmons there’s no doubt that Henderson will be ok with the arrangement as he tried to sign the west Cumbrian for Keighley two years ago.
Last season Fitzsimmons was a virtual ever present with 28 appearances in League and Cup games.
Earlier this month he was named the club’s player of the year, players’ player of the year and Derwent Park Supporters Club player of the year at the awards night.
A former Seaton Rangers junior he started his pro career with Castleford Tigers, playing twice for the Betfred Super League side in 2016.
After a 2017 loan spell at Workington, he joined Newcastle Thunder, scoring 11 tries in 48 appearances across the next two seasons. He returned to Derwent Park and since then has played in 72 games, scoring 11 tries.
On joining York he said: “The club seems to really be going places at the moment and I’m happy to be a part of it.
“I really hope I can add something to it to complement those around me to help us really push for the top positions.
“I like to adapt my game so I can be versatile and play in a few positions but I see myself more as a player in the middle.
“I see my strengths as being able to play with the ball a bit and I think that’s what I’ve been brought in for.
“Obviously I still have things to work on and I know that but that’s why I want to improve and this year I’m keen to get my game to be the best it can be
“It was a really tough year at Workington but the club was great with me and I loved my time there with it being my hometown.
“I want to be playing at the highest level I can and I think that, joining York, with the new coach coming in, will help that.”
Lightowler returns to Newcastle Thunder after two seasons away with Workington and in his two years at Town the English Student international made 15 appearances for the club, scoring two tries.
The 23-year-old was a product of the Bradford Bulls academy before signing for Thunder in 2020, having moved to the North East to study at Northumbria University.
Speaking on his return to Newcastle Thunder, Lightowler said: “I’m delighted to have another chance to prove myself in the Championship and work under Chris Thorman again.
“Living in the North East, it’s also a lot easier to access the facilities and support I need to really help with the improvement of my game.
“I enjoyed my time at Thunder previously but needed to gain more experience. The last two seasons at Workington have really helped me develop my game and I’m coming back to Thunder a better player for it.
“I can’t wait to get stuck in and I’m looking forward to what the new season brings.”
Head coach Thorman said: “Jake was another player that I took to Workington after he had spent time at Bradford in the Academy and Thunder. He is also a university student at Northumbria, so he’s already got strong ties to the area.
“This is important to me for two reasons, firstly because we want players to care about the club and secondly in terms of how we’re going to operate this year. Training on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, it’s important that our facilities and sessions are easily accessible for the players.
“Jake’s a fantastic lad to work with, who is tough as teak. He’s a really hard worker and a no-nonsense front rower.
“I’m excited to work with Jake again and I know he’ll be a very popular member of the group.”
Lightowler is the third signing under Thorman after both Rhys Clarke (ex Town) and Nikau Williams (ex Whitehaven) were announced previously.
