By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 12:37, Thursday, 24 September 2009

Aussie recruit Dylan Skee is being tipped to be a success at Whitehaven – by former Recre favourite Rob Purdham.

Dyland Skee

Skee was a regular in Harlequins’ second-string this year, and Quins skipper Purdham reckons he will thrive at the Recreation Ground.

“He’s a good player and will be a better one playing more challenging rugby,” said Purdham.

“It was unfortunate for him that we already had our quota of half-backs in Luke Dorn, Danny Orr and Luke Gale.

“He’s got a really good passing and running game and is a solid all-round performer. I think he’ll do a job for Whitehaven.”

Skee starts pre-season training with his new team-mates in November and will be available for the Christmas clash with Workington Town, this year held at Derwent Park.

“I’ve heard about the local derby and will definitely be available,” Skee confirmed. “It will be a good experience.”

The 23-year-old, who holds a British passport, spent three years with Super League Harlequins before opting to move north to the Recre, after watching Ged Stokes’ side in their play-off defeat at Widnes.

Skee said: “Ged’s fantastic and the players look very committed. I’m really looking forward to playing with Whitehaven.

“They made the semis this year, and from what I’ve seen, I think they can push to get further.

“The forwards do what you tell them, and hopefully I can add a bit to the back line.

“I don’t mind if I play at six or seven, as these days they are the same. I’ve played at six for most of my life, but I’ve also directed.”

Skee, whose dad is Scottish, joined Quins when his family moved to England, but spent much of his time in the London outfit’s second-grade due to red-hot competition. And he is looking forward to featuring at Championship level.

“Back home in Australia, you don’t really get noticed at this standard, but over here everyone gets stuck in to each other,” he continued. “It’s not Super League but it’s very close.

“I enjoyed my time in London. Last year I was in the first-grade squad, trained with them and played a couple of games. But this year I was looking for something different.”

First published at 11:31, Thursday, 24 September 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk