Whitehaven re-sign youngest-ever player Jake Bradley

Whitehaven have re-signed history-maker Jake Bradley on a contract until the end of the 2023 season.

He became the club’s youngest ever player, making his debut aged 16 years and 330 days against Hemel Stags. He also became the club’s youngest ever try scorer that afternoon, featuring on the wing.

Bradley has since established himself as a forward in the side and is a regular name on head coach Jonty Gorley‘s team sheet. Next season will be his sixth with the Championship side. He has made 27 appearances for the club, scoring six tries.

Whitehaven boss on re-signing

Gorley said: “It’s good to get Jake sorted out for next season. Jake is a young, local kid who wants to play for Whitehaven, which in itself is refreshing. We forget he’s still only 21.

“Jake is a great kid to coach he is very enthusiastic and does all the right things, he is very vocal and knows his job as a middle unit player. 

“Je is only going to get better, as we’ve seen, with the more games he plays.

“With signing so young, Jake has bided his time and is now in and around the 17/19 every week.

“He has got potential to be a real good player for Whitehaven, a regular and has many years ahead of him.”

Club director Ashley Kilpatrick added:” “It’s great to have secured Jake for another year. I think towards the back-end of 2021, Jake started to show what he can do for us and how big of a player for Whitehaven he can be.

“Jake’s had a few niggling injuries this season so far. But in the games he has played he’s been good for us.

“He’s a local lad that wants to play for Whitehaven and represent his hometown club.”