TWO Whitehaven rugby league players have signed new contracts for next season.

Ryan King and Nikau Williams for the 2022 season. Both have been instrumental in what the club have achieved during 2021 both on and off the pitch and the club are sure that the fans will be happy to see both staying in the chocolate blue and gold for another year. 

Ash Kilpatrick, director at Whitehaven RLFC, said:  "I am over the moon to have Kinga and Nikau sign on with us for another 12 months.

"I think everyone has seen how much Nikau was improving with every game, he has brought a tactical kicking game that we lacked, has an eye for a gap and looks dangerous when taking the line on.

"He defends well on the edge and his try assist stats are great. Nikau has settled well in the town and is a fans favourite, especially with all the community work he has done.

"With Kinga we managed to beat off a number of higher profile clubs to his signature.

"Kinga told me he felt he owed the club for sticking by him through his rehab, which shows an amazing loyalty and speaks volumes for the type of person he is.

"It has been great finally seeing him play and, in that time, he has really caught the eye and shown us that he is a quality player, be that in the middle or in his favourite position on the edge.

"He is an aggressive type of player, something we were lacking at times. He has scored a couple of good tries to which I am sure everyone in Whitehaven and Wollongong have heard about more than once."

Mr King and Mr Williams released a joint statement "We have both really loved our time over here at Whitehaven and feel that the team can build on what we have achieved so far into next season.

"Everyone at the club and in the town have been really warm and welcoming, treating us like one of their own, which really means a lot and made us settling i over here so much easier and enjoyable.

"The spirit shown by the lads all year has been something else, the lad are such a tight knit group and we felt that we owed them, the club and the fans another year."

A spokesman for Whitehaven RL Vice Presidents said, “The Vice Presidents are delighted that Ryan and Nikau have signed again for 2022.

"Both have been excellent for the club on and off the field this season and as a group the Vice Presidents have been really pleased to help the club obtain their signatures.

"We look forward to seeing them in the chocolate, blue and gold next season.”