Veteran forward Kris Coward is ready to go again for his 13th season as a professional.

Now 37, Coward is as keen as ever to continue playing at senior level with his hometown club, Whitehaven.

Coward had spent 11 seasons with Workington Town, clocking up more than 180 appearances before switching to Whitehaven last season.

The former Hensingham amateur, who turned pro with Town in 2007, has now agreed a one-year deal to re-sign for the Recreation Ground club.

He made 27 appearances in the 2018 season, scoring two tries, and says he is looking forward to the challenge of pre-season and what the 2019 campaign will bring in League One.

He said: "I think 2019 will be a good year and aiming for those top places in the league is well within our reach.

"We are building a good local squad that has a mixture of youth and experience.

"It’s my 12th pre-season and the biggest thing is the lads and the camaraderie you have together.

"I really enjoyed last year when I came back to Haven.

"So, I wanted to go round again and be a part of what is being built at the club over the next year."

Head coach Gary Charlton, who had Coward in his squad while in charge at Town, said: "Kris brings plenty of size and experience to our team but he also possess good footwork and is comfortable with the ball in his hands.

"These are great attributes for a prop forward and, although he is getting on in age, he still has the fitness and enthusiasm to be a big player in this team.

"Naturally, we are very pleased to have Kris back on board for next season."

Coward is the 17th player to be confirmed as signed to play for the club in 2019 with Charlton hoping to be working with a squad of 24.

The club will have more news later this week on a new kit supplier and the launch of the club’s 2019 away kit.