Workington link-up with Wigan

Championship side Workington have announced a partnership with Super League champions Wigan.

Three Warriors players – Lewis Tierney, Jack Murphy and Rob Lever – are currently on-loan with Town, and the new agreement will now mean the Cumbrians can receive players from Wigan under the dual-registration scheme.

It will also see Workington benefit from the Warriors’ experience in a number of areas including training philosophies, player assessment, strength and conditioning and community projects.

Town director Malcolm Allison said: “This is great news for the club. Not only will we be able to use some of Wigan’s first-team squad players when coach Phil Veivers requires them, we will also be able to learn a lot about the Super League environment from the champions. 

“We have been developing our relationship with Wigan for quite a while now. A lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes for a number of weeks and this partnership is a direct result of our collective endeavours.”

Last season, Workington were linked with Super League side Widnes.

Wigan Rugby manager Kris Radlinski said: “We are pleased to formalise this agreement with Workington Town which will develop throughout the season to the huge benefit of both parties.

“The opportunity for some of our young players to play in the Championship has huge benefits for the players and for Wigan. Lewis, Jack and Rob will return to us in the future with experience of playing rugby league in a very competitive environment, while Workington benefit from gaining quality and committed young players from our squad.”