Whitehaven have added to their growing pool of young, home-grown talent with the capture of another promising Cumbrian.

Forward Matty While has joined from Barrow and agreed a two-year deal with the Recreation Ground club.

While, who was 22 yesterday, returns to the club after spending a short spell on loan with Haven early last season.

He made two appearances for the club, figuring against Workington Town in the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy game and also in the Challenge Cup tie against London Skolars.

When While returned to Barrow, he went on to make 11 appearances and scored one try as Paul Crarey’s side retained their Betfred Championship status.

After signing a deal which will keep him as a Whitehaven player until the end of 2020, While said: "I’m proud and excited to have signed for Whitehaven.

"I’m looking forward to the year ahead as well as the opportunity to work with Charlo [coach Gary Charlton], Jonty [Gorley] and Macca [Scott McAvoy] and can’t wait to get started with the lads."

Haven’s new head coach Charlton is happy to bolster his forward options by signing While, who becomes the 19th member of his squad for 2019.

Charlton said: "Matty is an up-and-coming prop forward who has plenty of aggression in his game.

"He probably didn’t get the game time he wanted at Barrow last season to show what he can do so, hopefully, it will be to our gain.

"He comes from a Super League background, having been in the Leeds Rhinos set-up for a few years.

"The ball is in Matty’s court now so, hopefully, he can come and cement a place in our line-up.

"He definitely has the ability to do well for us."

Pre-season gets under way next week and Charlton is looking for a squad of around 24 players to prepare for the 2019 season.