Talented loose-forward Hanley Dawson is aiming to start his Workington Town career with a bang.

Dawson, 23, has just put pen to paper on a two-year deal that sees him heading up the coast to Derwent Park, after excelling for his amateur side Millom last season.

And Town boss Chris Thorman is keen to see Dawson reach his potential, as he has high hopes for the former Gloucester All Golds player.

“Hanley was one of a number of local players we identified and brought on trial for the duration of pre-season,” said Thorman.

“I watched him play for Cumbria in the tri-series versus Yorkshire and Lancashire and was impressed with what I saw.

“He’s been even more impressive during his time with us. His attitude is first class, he’s very fit and he wants to improve and progress his career.

“I’m excited to see Hanley reach his potential as he has some attributes that remind me of a lot of the top modern day loose forwards. I genuinely believe he’ll compliment our pack and look forward to coaching him.”

His most recent success comes with Millom where he was their 2019 player of the year and he has also represented the county and Cumbria Storm Academy Under-18s before a two year spell with the All Golds.

And he is now keen to get going with Workington, adding: “I came in as a trialist and my aim was to give 110 per cent into every aspect of training and I feel like I have slotted in well with the group.

“All the lads and the staff have been great with me since day one and, having spoken to Chris and listened to his future plans for the club, and how it can help develop my style of play, I feel like now is the right time for me to step up and move my career forward.

“My aim for the upcoming season is to make as many consistent appearances as possible and start to make a reputation for myself in League 1 and kick start what will hopefully be a successful pro career.

“It’s a proud time for both myself and my family as those closest to me know what this opportunity means and I can only thank Chris, the rest of the staff and the board for committing to me for two years.”