Workington Town have lost a popular forward but have announced three important re-signings for the 2027 season.
Scottish International Guy Graham has had a change of work circumstances which mean he is no longer in a position to be able to commit to the demands of professional rugby league.
A Town spokesman said: “We fully respect his decision, and we also respect that he came forward and said he no longer wished to receive any further payments that he couldn’t justify.
“We have parted on very good terms, we all wish him well, and he has said that we will be the first club he contacts if his work circumstances change.”
Good planning and retention of key players is very important to Town and they have started that process by agreeing new two-year contracts with Jamie Doran, Jack Ainley and Grant Reid.
Town players already on two-year deals are Jack Stephenson, Jake Bradley, Zarrin Galea, Jude Lupton, Braden Leigh and Tyce Walmsley.
Bradley’s season has been seriously interrupted by injury but has received some splendid news which has enabled him to start light training.
This follows the specialists all clear after major ankle surgery and he will now work closely with the club’s medical team and the strength and conditioning coach department to ensure he returns at the right time.
Meanwhile coach Jonty Gorley has been talking about the latest three re-signings.
Talking about Jack Ainley he said: “Jack is in his first year in the pro game and we both had the vision of him playing most of the year on DR with Kells and giving him a game with Town here and there.
“Jack must have had a different view to me because since his first game in pre-season he has ended up playing more games than we thought and, at times, being my first pick back row.
“He’s a big unit, still developing and he runs a good line and can bounce out of tackles and cause teams problems. He’s got a couple of things he needs to work on but that said, he’s in his first year and has impressed me, the coaching staff and his team mates.
“So, to get a young West Cumbrian forward, with the potential Jack has, on a two-year deal is absolutely fantastic for Workington Town. We are confident he will work on the aspects of his game he needs to as his attitude is first class.”’
Turning to Jamie Doran, the head coach said: “To retain him on a two year deal is massive for the club. He’s probably the most experienced player we’ve got, and his knowledge and skill set is invaluable to how we progress as a team in the future.
“Jammer is Town through and through and the dedication he’s put in since coming back from his injury has been top draw.
“His fitness is getting close to the fittest he’s been backed up by the stats and there is a determination to extend his player career and that lead us to agreeing he can still take the team forward as a spine player and leader for at least those two years. It’s important we retained him.
“On and off the field, Jammer is exactly what we need to progress, and hopefully other potential signings will take his lead and commit to the club’
Gorley also had plenty of praise for the third player to re-sign in Grant Reid, probably the most improved player on the books.
He said: ‘What can I say about Grant Reid’s total turnaround?
“Grant won’t mind me saying, at the end of last season, I told Grant I wasn’t going to retain him for this season. The reason being he was overweight leading him to not meet the fitness that’s needed for semi pro rugby.
“With Grant being a Town diehard, I went back to him a few weeks later, challenged him and offered him a pay as you play contract, with the condition that he had to work on his fitness.
“He certainly did that and he has been a big plus point for us in 2026!
“The transformation was very impressive, leading the forwards (and some backs) in the – conditioning.
“In doing so he gained my confidence to give him game time after I was going to exclude him from my Town plans.
“He has impressed in games because he could do things this season that he couldn’t do last season, purely down to his attitude on fitness.
“He’s a different player and I’m glad I gave him a chance because he has impressed me this season. That’s why we’ve offered him a two-year deal and the key for Grant now is to continue that hard work and we feel his deal is fair and has rewarded the hard work and mentality change.
“We all know the Town crowd respects full on commitment to the badge and we look forward to seeing the very best of Grant Reid in the next two years.”
