Australian forward Ryan King is back with Whitehaven after being released by Halifax Panthers.
Haven were first in the queue after the Italian international became available and the club has now confirmed that the 25-year-old second-row forward has re-signed for the club.
King has agreed a deal until the end of the season through the help of Whitehaven RL Vice Presidents.
Following his release from the Panthers last week Haven worked quickly to secure King’s signature again. He had made his debut against Halifax in July 2021 following his return from a serious knee injury picked up in Australia before his move to the UK.
In his first spell with the club King made 37 appearances scoring 17 tries becoming a firm fans favourite and was the club’s top try scorer in 2022 scoring 14 in 27 games.
Head coach Jonty Gorley was clearly delighted to secure the return of a powerful, effect Championship forward.
“Things haven’t worked out for Kingy at Halifax as he’d have liked them to so when he came available I jumped at the chance to have a talk with him.
“Everyone at Whitehaven knows what Kingy can do, with him being with us previously. He’s a threat with the ball and we need as many threats as we can get to make us a harder team to beat. He’ll give us a bit more competition for places too and more of that I have as a coach the better.”
The club once again have passed on a massive thanks to the Vice Presidents who have helped the club in re-signing King and have played a massive part in the assembling the 2023 squad.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Presidents, Des Byrne, said: “The Vice Presidents are delighted to be able to help Jonty, again, with his squad building.
“We have been squad building for thirteen years and Ryan King is the twelfth member of the 2023 squad we have helped sign. We thank our members for their tremendous support.”
