Published at 11:55, Wednesday, 18 July 2012

Marc Shackley has signed a new contract that will see him stay at Workington Town for another two seasons.

Marc Shackley

But there was bad news for Whitehaven after it was confirmed that young prop Anthony Mullally will be out of action for up to six weeks following knee surgery, putting a question mark over his future at the club.

Shackley, 23, has been one of Workington's most consistent players this season after being plagued with injury in 2011. And the signing of the prop/second-rower is seen as another move by the Derwent Park outfit to retain a majority of their players for what will almost definitely see them playing Championship rugby next season.

“Marc plays to a high standard and is the type of player we want to keep and the type of player we want to bring to the club,” said Town coach Gary Charlton.

“Marc’s enjoying his rugby and we see him as a big part of our plans going forward.”

Championship One leaders Town are without a game this weekend, their original clash at third-placed Doncaster, on Sunday, being moved on four days. It will be televised on Sky TV.

Whitehaven can do Town a huge favour tomorrow by winning at second-placed Barrow. Only points difference separates Town and Barrow at the top. Haven are fourth and a win would consolidate the final promotion slot.

Meanwhile, Widnes Vikings prospect Mullally, on loan at the Recre for the rest of the season, has a torn cartilage and also requires a clean-out of his knee.

“He’s had a really big impact and contributed really well to the team,” said chief executive Barry Richardson. “Hopefully he will go on to do well in Super League, as he certainly has the potential.”

Haven have no immediate plans to look for a new front-rower to replace Mullally, who it is believed will join Super League Huddersfield Giants next term.

“A lot of lads in the squad are capable of stepping on to the stage, and I’m sure they will take the opportunity to perform well,” Richardson added.

“As we always say, if someone of quality comes to our attention, we will look to strengthen. But we have every confidence our current squad can take us forward for the rest of the season.”

Mullally will be out for four to six weeks, which means, with a swift recovery, he could be back for Haven’s two final games of the regular season, at London Skolars on August 24 and nine days later against visitors North Wales.

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