Whitehaven’s “honorary marra”, Chris Taylor, has re-signed for the club ahead of their return to the Championship.

The hugely popular centre is one of the few travelling men left at the Recreation Ground but is regarded very much as one of the locals.

Haven chairman Tom Todd said: “Chris has been playing for us since 2014 and is very much regarded as one of our own. We have built our philosophy on creating a local squad of players and Chris is regarded as one of us even though he does travel.

“It’s a measure of how well he’s thought of at the club that he won the directors’ player of the year award at our recent presentation night.”

Taylor has signed a one-year deal which will see him continue as one of the respected senior members of the squad.

He first signed for the club ahead of the 2014 season after a man-of-the-match performance for Wigan Warriors in the 2013 Academy Grand Final. Although he then left the club for Halifax for the 2015 season, he returned on loan later that year before making the return permanent.

Taylor played a major role in the hugely successful 2019 League One-winning season, playing both in the centre and at full-back, making 23 appearances in all competitions and scoring five tries.

Taylor said: “I’m really pleased to have signed for another 12 months at Whitehaven because it’s a place that means a lot to me and my family. I’m hoping we can build on last year’s success and see where we can go as a club in the Championship.”

He is the first of the League One-winning squad to confirm his commitment to the club for 2020, although several, including skipper Marc Shackley and League One player of the year Dion Aiye, are already under contract for next season.

Glenn Riley, a former Whitehaven prop, has returned from Barrow while former Workington Town forward Tom Walker has also made the switch from Craven Park to the Recreation Ground.

Meanwhile Whitehaven have announced their ticket prices for their return to the Championship after three years in League One. There will also be the opportunity for fans to save money on season ticket deals.

Admission for the 2020 season will be £17, with £12 for concessions and £5 for under-16s while season tickets will be priced at £60 (under-16s), £150 (concessions) and £170. Chairman Todd said: “The season tickets went on sale on Tuesday and we are offering incentives for the ordinary ones. But fans buying before the end of October will pay £160, by the end of November £165. After that it will be £170.