Whitehaven have landed an international player for their 2024 Championship campaign.
Italian utility back Jake Maizen, who started for the Azzuri in the 2022 World Cup, has joined on a 12-month deal.
Maizen joins from Halifax Panthers where he made 19 appearances, scoring eight tries including two on his debut. He also made two appearances for Hunslet on loan in July.
Maizen made his Italian debut in the first group game of the World Cup scoring a hat-trick against Scotland in a 28-4 victory and went out to score four tries in three games as the Italians bowed out in the group stage.
After signing his Whitehaven deal Maizen said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity the club has put in front of me and excited to see where this group of lads can end up.
“Speaking with Jonty and the board, Whitehaven feels like the right place for me to come and enjoy my footy again. I’m hopeful we can push for finals in the upcoming season and I’m keen to give my all to help achieve that. Very excited to meet all the fans. Go Haven!”
Haven head coach Jonty Gorley admitted to being excited at the signing of Maizen once he knew he was available.
Gorley said: “When I heard that Jake might be available I jumped at the chance to speak to him. I knew of Jake a couple of years ago and watched him in the World Cup for Italy.
“What excites me about him is the pace he’s got along with an evasive running game. He’s dangerous every time he carries the ball.
“These qualities will only add to the squad’s potential as we lacked a bit of pace last year in certain areas, so when my outsides backs break in our own half I’d like to think they could finish, I think Jake will give us that threat along with a couple of other players.
“Jake can play centre, wing and full back and has even played in the halves before, so he’ll definitely add quality and competition to the squad.”
