Former Workington Town hooker Shaun Lunt has said he believes Cumbria is forgotten about in rugby league circles.

Lunt, who was born in Cockermouth and now plies his trade in Super League with Hull KR, told Love Rugby League that funding has resulted in both his former club and Whitehaven dropping into League One.

Unless Barrow are promoted, this will mean there are no Cumbrian sides in the top two tiers of the sport, which would be devastating for the county.

Lunt said: "I am sure Workington and Whitehaven would benefit from extra financial help because they could then develop a strong youth set up.

"It is about building strong foundations. Promoting the game in schools is also a massive thing."

And Lunt, who spent two years with Town, before making the next step up, said money plays a big part in an isolated location.

He added: "The lack of money being pumped into clubs in Cumbria is partly due to the fact it is forgotten about in the rugby league world."

The season finished with Town on the bottom of the Championship ladder with Whitehaven occupying the other relegation berth, just two points ahead of them, courtesy of a final-day victory over Swinton Lions.