After re-signing for Workington Town ahead of the 2026 season, powerful Kiwi winger Levi Atiga had been linked with a move to Salford Red Devils.
The demise of the former Super League club has thrown any subsequent new signings into a confusing situation with three different consortiums said to be trying to form a new club for Salford.
Tracy Atiga, Levi’s mother, has been involved in one of the three groups, and because of various rumours Town have issued a statement trying to explain the situation.
It was signed by Town chairman Graeme Peers and said: “We would like to take this opportunity to update our supporters and stakeholders of Workington Town RLFC about the situation relating to Levi Atiga and his signed contract with us for 2026.
“At the moment Levi is in New Zealand and as previously announced he signed a new one year contract to remain with us for 2026 on August 6 2025.
“A while after signing the new contract Levi approached the club and made us aware that he had been offered a deal with a considerable financial package for 2026 by then officials of Salford Red Devils.
“We had a verbal agreement with Levi that we would support his desire to play Super League and we are very proud in the role we have played in helping him get his rugby career back on track.
“We informed Levi that we would albeit reluctantly support his wish and facilitate a transfer to Salford Red Devils, who at the time were going through their HMRC proceedings.
“We were informed that the situation would be resolved in a positive manner and the owners at the time would retain control.
“However, we advised that the then owners needed to make an official approach to Workington Town and negotiate a suitable compensation package for Levi.
“We didn’t hear or receive any official communication so had to make contact with them to try to resolve the situation so we had clarity.
“We required an agreement so we, a club with our own ambitions and aspirations, could plan accordingly for 2026 and beyond.
“On September 18, Ashley Kilpatrick contacted Paul King – who was at that point in an official role at Salford Red Devils – and on September 23 we agreed a compensation package after he had communicated with the then owners.
“This was to be paid to Workington Town RLFC for Levi’s playing services for 2026 in the first working week of November and a second payment on December 1.
“The first date passed without any communication or compensation paid by the then owners of Salford Red Devils.
“At that point we contacted Levi by email and advised that we expected him back for the start of January to commence his contract with Workington Town.
“We advised that we felt the most sensible solution would be to return to Workington, play and if any club approached us for his services for 2026 then we would be open to discuss any offers made and support his desire to play top level RL.
“We then received an email from Tracy Atiga who informed us that she was now acting as his advisor and we were to liaise with her from that point.
“We were told that after December 17, when control of Salford would be determined, we would receive confirmation of Levi’s playing intentions for 2026 and they would understand if we revoked our offer.
“As a club we operate within the terms and conditions of RFL signed contracts and we have now informed Levi’s advisors of that and that we expect his return.
“If his wishes are to pursue other opportunities then we will await official approaches from the club’s involved and negotiate accordingly for Levi to leave Workington Town RLFC.
“As of today, December 21, we have had no communication from his advisors even though we emailed them to reiterate our position.
“We are doing our utmost to act fairly and proactively because as it stands we have a visa application in process that will take eight to 10 weeks to finalise, meaning the longer this impasse continues Levi will not be allowed to fly into the UK to play for Workington Town RLFC or anyone else for that matter.
“We are also aware of ‘rumours’ of clubs being approached by his advisors and clubs approaching him, and we understand that may well be because the situation and his contractual status is unclear.
“We are providing that clarity and are confirming that Workington Town RLFC currently have the only official signed and registered playing contract for Levi and anyone interested in his services will need to contact club chairman on his club email.
“We, of course, wish to resolve this matter urgently.”
Tracy Atiga has responded with a Facebook post saying: “The thing about rumours, is that they tend to grow legs.
“The fact of the matter is that we were offered until Monday December 22 to provide a final position, and we intend to keep to that deadline given our love for Workington Town Rugby League Football Club and the many friends we have made over the past year.
“This date lined up with RFL’s proposed extended announcement of Salford’s licence renewal.
“It’s actually really hurtful to wake up to this post just a few days before Christmas. Not sure what purpose this post serves aside from hurting our family? It would have been more appropriate to have waited less than 24 hours for an answer.
“We will be sticking to the deadline thank you.”
