Last updated at 11:38, Friday, 30 November 2012

Whitehaven have boosted their ranks with the signing of exciting loose-forward Matty Palmer.

Whitehaven chairman Ralph Calvin with Matty Palmer

Millom-based Palmer, 23, starred in the Egremont side that gained promotion to the top flight in the amateur game this year, and Haven CEO Barry Richardson said: “We are delighted to have signed Matty Palmer.

“We’ve watched a great number of amateur games this season, through director Steve Nicholson along with others, and Matty was a high priority for us.

“We know Matty was approached by a number of clubs and spent the last fortnight with Super League London Broncos who are going to watch his development closely, as I am sure our dual registration partners St Helen’s will.”

Haven chairman Ralph Calvin added: “Matty has signed for two years and we see him as a very important signing in our short-term plans to establish ourselves as a good Championship side, attracting the best local players to come to Haven.

“Coaches Dave Woods and David Seeds both see him as being ready to step into the first team next season and, David hopes Matty can be a catalyst for other amateurs aspiring to play semi-pro rugby.”

And Richardson added: “Matty is looking forward to staking his claim to a regular position in the team starting in the pre-season games during January. He is ambitious and wants to develop to play at the highest level possible.”

Whitehaven would like to thank Millom and Egremont for the work they have done getting Matty to this level. And the club’s vice-presidents for their contribution towards signing Palmer.

“It’s really great that Haven fans are getting involved through the vice-presidents,” said Richardson.

“The other support groups and the very important continued support of the Lottery in helping the club develop on and off the field, which is progressing well bearing in mind the short time that has elapsed since starting from scratch in October 2010.”

And the last word went to Palmer, who said: “I’d just like to thank Egremont for a great season and wish them all the very best in the future.”

First published at 11:31, Friday, 30 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk