Injury-hit Workington Town have had help with two more loanees ahead of Sunday’s League One clash at Keighley.
Coach Anthony Murray faced going into the game against the Cougars without nine members of his squad.
He was helped last week with the arrival of loanees Richard Lopari and Brad Hammond from Swinton Lions, but was virtually back to square one with further injuries in the game with Oldham.
Half-back Cieran Walker suffered a shoulder injury while full-back Jordan Burns, who was operating at centre, was helped off with a rib injury.
But in a busy week of contacting fellow coaches Murray has been able to come up with two additions – Cian Tyrer from Oldham and Joe Purcell from Swinton.
“We are really grateful for the help we’ve received over the last fortnight and will have four loanees in the squad for Sunday.
“I never like to stress injury problems, because that’s the reason we have a squad of players. But our present situation is pretty bad with nine players from our season-starting squad ruled out.
“The only good news this week, apart from the arrival of the loan players, is that both Liam McNicholas and Malik Steele are fit and back in the squad,” said Murray.
Winger Cian Tyrer, 22, is a former Wigan Warriors youngster who linked up with Oldham in October and was signed after a successful trial period.
The full-back or winger came through the ranks at Super League giants Wigan but didn’t make a first team appearance before joining Newcastle Thunder ahead of the 2021 season.
Tyrer then enjoyed a loan spell on loan with League 1 side Rochdale before making the move permanent the following season.
The Salford-born back has spent the last two seasons with the Hornets, scoring 28 tries in 44 appearances.
Tyrer, who played his junior rugby at Leigh Miners Rangers, had joined his cousin Kieran Tyrer at Oldham, who has joined Sean Long’s side.
Joe Purcell, 24, signed for Swinton last October after a season with Rochdale Hornets and like Tyrer can operate at full-back or at half-back, although he prefers the number one shirt.
Purcell started his career with Halton Hornets, from where he progressed to the Widnes Vikings development programme and then the Wigan Warriors under 19’s team.
Upon the formation of Cornwall RLFC in late 2021, Purcell made history by becoming the new club’s very first signing. He then went on to become The Chough’s standout player in their tough inaugural season.
When he left to join Rochdale for 2023 he had established himself as a Cornwall regular and was their top points scorer with 13 goals and five tries.
He continued to impress during his season with the Hornets and attracted the attention of Championship side Swinton Lions.
