Workington Town have added a clutch of signings – with three of last seasons’ squad returning along with a new face from Barrow.
Malik Steele, Matty Henson and Jordan Thomson have all re-signed for the Fibrus Community Stadium club while Connor Saunders has joined from Championship neighbours Barrow.
An ex-Seaton Rangers junior, Malik spent a number of years at Newcastle Thunder, and was a player Thunder were reluctant to lose when he linked-up with home town club Town in December 2021.
Still just 21, Steele is regarded as a player of vast potential whose 2023 season was affected by injury.
A Town spokesman said: “Mal is another locally based player of huge potential who we are putting faith in to establish themselves in the Workington Town team for many years to come.
“With six tries in all competitions in 2023 despite an extended period out with a knee injury we feel there is much, much more to come from Mal too and we are delighted to give him the platform to progress as a professional player.”
Henson has been a Town star since he turned professional from Egremont Rangers for the 2021 season. He had spent seven seasons with the Gillfoot side.
Henson who came through the RFL player pathway that identifies talent in the community game has played for the England Lions from Under 17 level and captained England Lions at under 18s and 21s.
He represented the England Lions at open age on their tour of Fiji in 2018 and has proved a big hit in the Workington side.
In the 2023 season just ended he was joint Player of the Year and has agreed a new one-year deal.
He had a strong 2023 with 10 tries in all competitions which was a good return after missing some games with a facial injury.
Thomson also joined Town for the first time in the 2021 season having developed his game at Hensingham before joining Whitehaven.
He left the Recreation Ground side to play amateur rugby league at Kells but then took up the pro challenge again with Town and hasn’t looked back.
An honest, hard driving prop forward Thomson is a hugely popular member of the Town squad and he has signed a new one year deal.
A club spokesman said: “Jordan fresh from his second Cumbria cap penned a new deal and his experience, ability and attitude ticks all the boxes.
“A key figure and cornerstone of the pack Jordan is a crucial part of our club, respectful of the pitch and tough as nails on it!”
Saunders spent a short time on loan with Whitehaven last season after limited opportunities for hometown club Barrow Raiders.
He had signed his first professional deal with Barrow Raiders ahead of the 2023 Betfred Championship season.
Since Under 10s level, Saunders had played the majority of his rugby with Ulverston.
In September 2021 he made a solitary appearance for West Wales Raiders, against Barrow, before being invited to train with the squad by head coach Paul Crarey.
In 2022 he made his first team debut against Leigh Centurions, on dual-registration from Ulverston. He scored a try on debut and capped off a memorable afternoon by receiving the Man of the Match award.
Saunders went on to make a further three appearances for the club in 2022, and he was then rewarded with professional terms at the Raiders but has rarely figured this last season.
A Town spokesman said: “Connor, who earned a Cumbria cap last year against Jamaica decided to make the switch after talking to head coach Anthony Murray and Director of Rugby Gray Murdock.
“A tough, direct runner from nine Connor has been signed to add competition to that area and joins Matty Henson and Blain Marwood in an impressive trio to select from.
“With the utility value of Hanley Dawson not available to us in 2024 due to Hanley returning to the amateur game we felt we needed more in the hooking area.
“It is a demanding role in the modern game and we found we were one injury away from being short last season as was proved when Matty fractured his cheekbone and the introduction of a young, Cumbrian prospect with Championship experience only adds quality and depth to our squad in this position.
“We welcome Connor with open arms, as our research has found us to have secured a young talent with an excellent work ethic and desire to improve and if he continues those traits he will get an opportunity to establish himself at Workington Town.”
Town emphasised their intention of signing the best local talent on offer as the bulk of their squad remains Cumbria-based.
