Whitehaven have landed an exciting young Australian forward ahead of the 2023 Championship season.
The 23-year-old front rower Lucas Castle has agreed the deal, which is now down to visa approval.
Castle has played at prop in the 2022 season for the St George Illawarra Dragons reserve grade in the NSW Cup and spent 2021 with the Blacktown Workers in the NSW Cup Competition. The Workers side are the feeder side of the Manly Sea Eagles.
Castle started his career at the Wests Tigers Jersey Flegg side. The Jersey Flegg cup is a competition in New South Wales for players under the age of 21.
Whitehaven head coach Jonty Gorley said: “Lucas will add some size to our front row, being 6ft 4in and well over 100kg.
“He has come through a good system at the Dragons where he’s been playing NSW cup for them this year which is just one level below NRL so it’s a very good competition.
“He carries the ball well and has got a good off-load in his skillset, so hopefully we will benefit from that. Can’t wait to get him over, along with the rest of the lads.”
Director Ashley Kilpatrick said: “We’re delighted to get Lucas coming over to join us. He’s a big body and mainly a front rower who can also play a bit at 13.
“He’s played at a good standard at the previous clubs he has been with. He’s really keen to get over and stamp his authority over here in the UK.
“Once again the club would like to thank the Vice Presidents who will be funding the flights for Lucas to come to the UK.”
