TOM Wilkinson and Sam Dowsett are already proving to be fine additions to the Whitehaven squad, according to assistant coach Jonty Gorley.

The pair were signed from Askam during the off-season, with hooker Dowsett returning to the professional ranks after a short spell at Workington Town in 2017 and loose forward Wilkinson making the step up from the amateur game for the first time.

Wilkinson was in action for Haven during the 24-8 defeat to Barrow Raiders on Sunday where he showed his versatility, although Dowsett missed out due to injury.

Gorley is familiar with both, having worked with Dowsett during his time at Workington and Wilkinson as part of the youth set-up in the county, and is pleased to see them making an impact.

“We had Sam at Workington for about six months and I liked what I saw right away with him. In his attitude towards training and how he plays, he keeps himself right and I’ve got nothing but admiration for him,” said Gorley.

“Tom, I had him at Cumbria scholarship as a 14 or 15-year-old and right away I knew there was something about him.

“He was one of our best players against Workington and because of the adversity this week, he had to play in the second row against Barrow and did well again.

“He even went back on as nine, so I’ve got nothing but respect for the pair of them and they’re two good lads who do nothing but add to the squad.”