Marc Shackley has committed himself to Whitehaven for the next five years.

The 28-year-old prop returned to the Recreation Ground last season after several years with rivals Workington Town.

Explaining his reasons for the long-term deal, Shackley said: “I enjoyed every minute last season and I thought, when I got asked to stay, why not make it longer than usual?

“After last year, I didn’t really want to go anywhere with how close this group has become, and how close we came to achieving our goal.

“Hopefully, we will go one better next year, keeping most of the squad we have and adding quality.”

The five-year-deal will see the former Egremont amateur in the chocolate, blue and gold colours of Whitehaven until the end of the 2022 season.

Shackley made 24 appearances for Haven in 2017, crossing the whitewash once. He made his second debut for the club in the League One cup fixture against Workington back in February.

Shackley played more than 150 games for Town in his stint at Derwent Park.

Player-coach Carl Forster said: “Obviously, it’s great to get him on board again.

"He’s made a big impression on the team and the club in the last 12 months and he’s one of the players we want here for the foreseeable future.

“He’s a leader on the field and that’s what we need with the loss of big players from last year.

“He’s a great lad and a great player. I’m very happy his future is with us.”