Powerful prop forward Ethan Kelly has penned a new two-year contract with Whitehaven.

The 23-year-old former Millom amateur signed for the club in March until the end of the season after he had impressed in training. He came through his first season in the professional ranks with lots of plaudits, despite having almost two months out with a broken arm.

Coach Gary Charlton said: “We had been impressed with Ethan when we watched him at Millom and that potential was clear to see when he joined us for training.

“He worked really hard, got his chance and proved his worth. It was a blow when he broke his arm, but he came back strongly from that and was an important member of the squad. He has fitted in really well with the lads in the squad, who enjoy his company and it’s great to have him tied down for two years as his career is only going to go one way, and that’s up.

“Last season, with not joining until March, he didn’t do the pre-season with us, so I’m sure he is going to benefit this time around.”

Kelly said: “I really enjoyed my rugby last season, so I was delighted to be able to sign for another two years.

“I’ve loved everything about it at Whitehaven as they’re a great set of lads. It’s good to be back preparing and I know I will benefit from a hard pre-season training programme. The Championship will be a great test for us and I’m looking forward to that.”

Whitehaven fans will find out on Monday who they will face in an exciting Championship programme which starts on the first weekend of February.

But just as a little taster, the Rugby Football League have issued the matches which will be available to watch at Blackpool on the Summer Bash.

Haven will be the second match on at Bloomfield Road on Sunday, May 31, kicking off at 3.15pm against Sheffield Eagles. Before then, it will be Swinton v Oldham and, afterwards, Leigh play Widnes.

The Saturday matches are: Batley v Dewsbury; Halifax v York and Featherstone v Bradford.