Workington Town half-back Jamie Doran says he is much better prepared for this season compared to last after spending a full year with the club.

Doran was a late addition to Phil Veivers’ squad in 2015 after the departure of Peter Lupton.

The youngster was brought in on a season-long loan from Wigan Warriors and then signed a permanent deal at Zebra Claims Stadium at the end of the year.

“I would say I’m a better player compared to last year,” Doran said. “Phil [Veivers] has been getting at me as I’ve gone on and pointing out mistakes and how I can work on them and I’m benefiting from training with Carl [Forber] and Jarrod [Sammut].

“I definitely feel as though as if I’m more prepared for this season, it was a big step up from juniors last year but I know I’m ready for it this season.”

Doran missed Sunday’s pre-season fixture against Barrow Raiders but should be back in the side for this weekend’s Ike Southward Memorial Trophy fixture against rivals Whitehaven.

With Sammut unlikely to feature before the start of the regular season, Doran is relishing the chance to stake a claim for a starting spot in the halves.

“A boys will be missing for our pre-season games so there are a few spots that people can put their hands up for,” he continued.

“But I know it’s not just the games that I’m going to have to stand up in, I have to work hard in training - that’s probably the most important thing.

“It’s good that we’ve started doing skill drills in our sessions and Chris Murphy [strength and conditioning coach] has really been getting at us. I’m feeling fit and I’m ready for the season. I haven’t missed that many training sessions and I’ve been going to the gym.”