Whitehaven have announced the signing of utility back Joseph Romeo on a 12-month deal from fellow Championship side Swinton Lions.
The Australian, known as Joey, had been a target of Jonty Gorley’s heading into the 2023 campaign but missed out on securing his signature.
Instead he plied his trade for the Lions, helping them secure Championship survival in the final weekend of the season.
Romeo, 24, made 19 appearances for the Lions in 2023 scoring five tries with four of them coming in a big win at Keighley.
He also made two starts for Midlands Hurricanes on dual registration scoring a solitary try.
Romeo said: “When Jonty gave me the call I could tell he really wanted me and the things he said really pulled me towards Whitehaven.
“He’s said it’s going to be a clean slate and he wants me to come in and help push us towards the play-offs.”
Head coach Gorley added: “We looked at Joey for the start of last season but he ended up with Swinton and has played against us this year.
“So when he came available for next season I was interested in bringing him to Whitehaven. Joey can cover all the back five positions. Even though his favoured position is centre he can do an equally good job at full back or on the wing.
“The outside backs is an area we were short a few times this season, having to play Connor and Pez in centre a few times which wasn’t ideal.
“It became a necessity because we were light in them areas and also had injuries to players in those positions. Joey will add quality and strength in depth to our squad in that area.”
Romeo was initially in the youth set up at North Sydney Bears, but more recently played at a couple of other clubs in the greater Sydney region – Cabramatta and the Campbelltown City Kangaroos.
