Workington Town have further strengthened their pack options by signing the former Barrow Raiders prop Delaine Gittens-Bedward.
He was with Barrow for the last two campaigns and adds more pack strength to an already strong set of forwards, providing depth and options ahead of a more structured, regular fixture set.
It’s a programme that is much stronger and consistent than Town have experienced in recent years in League One. Having squad depth, especially in the forwards is crucial.
Town coach Jonty Gorley said: “I spoke to Delaine towards the end of last season and he agreed to come to Town. He’s the type of middle that we need to add to the ones we’ve already got.
“However shortly afterwards Super League Leigh Leopards offered Delaine a full-time trial and to train pre-season with a view to signing him. As always, we didn’t stand in the way of a player who had a chance to pursue his dreams, and we supported Delaine to go to Leigh.
“About two weeks ago Leigh informed Delaine there wasn’t anything for him right now, so I was keen to get him back to Town and he was keen to come back.
“He’s an athletic, powerful middle who’s good both sides of the ball, Delaine will bring some more championship experience to us, and he’s fit and ready to go after doing Leigh’s full pre-season.’
He trained on Tuesday night and is likely to be in contention for this week’s game away to Blackbrook ARLFC, Sunday 2pm.
The 24-year-old first signed for Barrow ahead of the 2024 season after impressed head coach Paul Crarey and his coaching staff in training.
Prior to making the switch to Barrow, Gittens-Bedward featured for London Skolars and Midlands Hurricanes and also enjoyed a brief stint in the London Broncos academy.
After making eight appearances for the Cumbrian club in the 2024 season and another nine last year, Gittens-Bedward will be looking to add to those numbers at Town.
Though born in London, Gittens-Bedward has represented Jamaica twice in the past two years.
