Workington move for Haven prop

Workington have signed prop forward Ryan McDonald from local rivals Whitehaven.

McDonald, 32, is in his last season as a professional and left the Recre by mutual agreement earlier this week as Haven boss Ged Stokes looks to shake up his squad after a disappointing start to the season.

The former Dewsbury and Widnes prop said: “I hope going to Workington doesn’t upset too many people, and hopefully they appreciate what happened and stay with me for one more game.”

Workington are currently 8th in Championship 1 having won two of their six league games so far, but they caused one of the shocks of the Northern Rail Cup group stages by defeating their Cumbrian rivals 22-14 – who fielded McDonald on that day.

Town director Malcolm Allison said: “This is a fantastic signing for us. He is a big lad which will help bulk up our pack and a true pro which will rub off onto our young squad.”

McDonald made 27 appearances for Whitehaven in an outstanding 2008 campaign but was limited to just 10 appearances last season.

A Haven spokesman said: “It was no secret that we are under financial restrictions, and it was felt we needed to freshen things up. We need to release players to bring others in.

“Ryan has to be commended for his time at Whitehaven, and under different circumstances we’d have liked to keep him, to help bring our young players through. Unfortunately, our financial situation didn’t allow it.”

Whitehaven have also released former Halifax and Leigh utility Mick Govin.