Whitehaven have boosted their squad ahead of the Good Friday derby with Barrow by making two loan signings.
They have recruited Nathan Connell from Salford Red Devils while George Hill returns for a second stint from Castleford Tigers.
Connell is an Irish international Under-19s and A full back or winger whose performances in the Red Devils reserves side earned him a Super League squad number for the 2024 season.
Head coach Jonty Gorley said: “Nathan comes highly recommend by the Salford coaching staff and lads who have played with him. He’s been in Salford’s 21 man squad a few times and was 18th man for their game last week, so he must be doing something right.
“Nathan can play in all the outside back positions but is clearly seen as a full back by Salford, with talk of him being in the same mould as Josh Rourke, I’m excited to see what he can do for us.”
Hill spent time on loan at Haven throughout the 2023 season making ten appearances, scoring one try. He looked comfortably at home as hooker or loose forward.
Gorley said: “It’s great to have George back with us for initially two weeks. We know what he can add to our squad.
“While he was with us last season he grew as a player and was a consistent performer, whether at 9 or 13.
“He isn’t the biggest but more than makes up for that with his attitude towards effort areas and that made him popular with our players because of his appetite for hard work.”
Both players join up with the squad for an initial two-week period and are available for selection on Good Friday when Barrow Raiders are the visitors.
