Whitehaven have landed another two players for next season – a new signing and one who has already established himself at the LEL Arena.
Sam Freeman, 23, is a former Widnes and Rochdale back while Liam McAvoy is an experienced forward who joined Haven last season.
Freeman, who has signed a one-year deal, is equally at home at full-back or wing and is also an accomplished goal kicker.
He burst onto the scene with the Vikings back in 2019 scoring four tries on his home debut against York City Knights in April 2019.
Having joined Rochdale ahead of the curtailed 2020 season he continued with the Hornets for 2021 before suffering a serious knee injury which saw him miss all of the 2022 season.
Despite being on the side-lines the club kept in touch with Sam and he attended several of Haven’s matches. He has now signed on the dotted line ahead of the 2023 season.
Head coach Jonty Gorley admitted he had his on eyes on Freeman for last season.
He said: “Sam Freeman is a player we looked at last year but he had a season ending ACL injury at the back end of 2021. We’ve kept in touch with each other since.
“He’s been up to visit a couple of times at training and games. When he came available we jumped at the chance to sign him.
“He comes with great recommendations from people in the know and he looked great on his video clips.
“Sam came through the Widnes youth system to the first team and then went to Rochdale, where he did his ACL.
“He can cover a number of positions wing, centre, half, nine but his best position is probably at full back, he is also a goal kicker. I can’t wait to see how he goes with us.”
Director Ashley Kilpatrick added: “Sam’s a good young kid who has come through the Widnes system. He travelled up to home games and training off his own back to get a look and feel for the club as well as meeting Jonty so his commitment started last season with us.
“He had been training with Salford Reserves and for him not picking up a hamstring injury he would have been with us at the back of last season. “Sam’s a utility player comfortable in a number of positions. It’s real great to have him on board.”
Liam McAvoy joined the club ahead of the 2022 season after previously spending seven seasons between Workington and Newcastle Thunder.
The prop forward made 21 appearances in chocolate, blue and gold starting 18 of them, scoring a try in the Championship defeat away to Sheffield Eagles.
Head coach Gorley was happy to get the forward to remain at the LEL Arena.
He said: “I’ve known Liam a long time and have always liked the way he plays the game. He’s a valued and respected member of the squad.
“This comes from his experience in the Championship and for the type of player he is.
“He is a leader who does a great job as a middle, with tough carries and plenty of effort in defence.
“Liam is also probably the fittest forward and one of the fittest in the squad, so it’s really good to have him for another year.”
Once again the club has extended its thanks to the Vice President’s supporters group who have helped the club in the retention of Liam McAvoy.
