Whitehaven have added to their 2026 Championship squad by signing two promising young forwards.
The signings were announced at the club’s fans forum earlier this afternoon to launch the opening of the newly renovated JJ McKeown Bar at the Ortus Rec.
Both new arrivals have signed one year deals for the new campaign.
The first recruit will be familiar as he is returning to the club.
Brett Bailey, 21, previously had a loan spell with the club while at St Helens.
The prop forward was the Saints reserve player of the year when joining Haven on loan in 2024. Scoring on his debut against Batley at the Ortus Rec he went on to make six appearances with the solitary try.
Head coach Anthony Murray said: “We’re really pleased to bring Brett back to the club.
“He’s a young player with a great attitude and a strong work ethic.
“Having come through the St Helens Academy and earned a contract with their Reserves, he’s had an excellent rugby education.
“His time here on loan showed us what he’s capable of, and his year at Widnes in the Championship has given him valuable experience at this level.
“We believe he’s developed into a well-rounded player who will add real quality and energy to our squad. We’re looking forward to working with him and helping him continue his progression.”
The second signing is Ben Pearce, 18, who is a product of National Conference League side Hensingham and makes the step up to the professional game having previously spent time in academy systems at Newcastle Thunder and Warrington Wolves before returning to his community club earlier in the year.
Normally a second rower Pearce is also comfortable at prop or loose forward.
Murray said: “We’re really pleased to announce the signing of Ben Pearce, an exciting young 18-year-old who’s shown great potential and maturity for his age.
“Ben started his professional journey with the Newcastle Thunder Scholarship, where he spent a year developing before earning a move to the Warrington Wolves Scholarship
“His hard work and progress there saw him rewarded with a contract in the Warrington Academy system, where he continued to impress.
“After returning to his community club, Hensingham, Ben enjoyed a very strong season — putting in some stand-out individual performances that caught our attention.
“He’s a talented and driven young player with a great attitude and a willingness to learn.
“We’re looking forward to helping him continue his development within our environment and seeing him push for opportunities at first-team level in the future.”
