Workington Town have signed two overseas players to strengthen their League One squad – subject to visa approval.
Joining Anthony Murray’s squad are Ponepate Tongia, a Tongan international forward and Zarrin Galea, a Maltese international centre or full-back.
Tongia, 24, who recently played against New Zealand A, was due to go to Super League in January but due to visa issues this did not happen.
A Town spokesman said: “After many hours of diligent work we, however, now believe we have overcome the issue. Pone is a tough, aggressive forward, with great leg speed for a big man.”
Galea, 23, is a player the club have monitored for over a year now. And again, due to visa issues, the club could not get his recruitment across the line.
The spokesman said: “However again after some more diligent work, we strongly believe he will now get clearance. Zarrin is a centre who is a dual rugby international with Malta and has played at a very good level in Australia.
“He is a proven try scorer at every level he’s played, a powerful outside back with genuine pace.”
Australian by birth Galea played in the French Elite Two division with RC Salon XIII – nicknamed ‘The Jaguars’ – a team in Salon-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region last year.
He has had experience in Australia for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls – Brisbane Broncos’ feeder team.
The spokesman added: “We would like to place on record our thanks to our backers, some who would like to remain anonymous; the Blue Knights Support group; our 1945 Club members and the Travellers Rest Supporters Club Committee members who have contributed significantly to the flight costs to bring these talented young men to Workington Town RLFC!”
