Geronimo Doyle makes switch to Whitehaven

Whitehaven have confirmed the signing of utility-back Geronimo Doyle from Swinton on a one-year deal. 

Doyle impressed for the Lions despite their relegation from the division last season. He also has family connections to the club as he is the nephew of former Haven player Casino Doyle, who played for the club back in the 90s. 

Doyle can feature at full-back or on the wing, and gives head coach Jonty Gorley a fresh option with goal kicking too. It was his performances at full-back however that has caught the eye of Gorley.

“Geronimo Doyle is an excellent addition to our squad, especially with Gregg not being able to commit,” said Gorley. 

“Geronimo can play most of the back positions but he’s comfortable at full-back and I think he plays his best rugby there.

“He’s a great returner of the ball, he can find the right pass in good ball and is defensively sound. 

“Anytime Geronimo has played against us, whatever position he has played, he has always caught my eye. Having played Championship last season and played at a good standard when he was younger, Geronimo will be good for us.”

“We’ve been speaking for a couple of months to Geronimo”

Club director Ashley Kilpatrick added: “It’s brilliant to have Geronimo on board for 2022. 

“He’s an exciting player to watch, a New Zealand residents player and New Zealand Maori international. 

“He’s also very versatile as he can play anywhere in the backs but is most comfortable at full-back, has great footwork and a really good pass selection on him. 

“He also recently won Swinton’s players’ player of the year and he was thought of really highly down at Heywood Road and we beat off some bigger, more wealthy competition to get Geronimo here. 

“We’ve been speaking for a couple of months to Geronimo, he’s a really humble lad and keen to get going at the LEL Arena. He’s expected back in the UK the first week in January after a short break back home in New Zealand.

“He also has some family nostalgia here. His uncle Casino played for us in the 90s. I’d also like to thank Kasey King who has been absolutely brilliant to deal with helping get Geronimo here.”

Elsewhere in rugby league

Sheffield have signed outside-back Jason Bass from Championship rivals York on a one-year deal ahead of the 2022 season.