Former Millom forward Marcus O’Brien has joined the professional ranks after signing for Workington Town from Egremont Rangers.

O’Brien is one of two new faces at Derwent Park, with hard-running forward Conor Fitzsimmons making his return to the Town fold after a spell with Newcastle Thunder.

O’Brien has spent the last couple of seasons in the National Conference League’s top flight with Egremont Rangers, having started his career in the south of the county with Millom. But has now decided this is the right time to make the step up to Betfred League One.

He’ll be coming up against Barrow Raiders in that division next season, including the eagerly anticipated Cumbrian derby at Craven Park on Good Friday.

Fitzsimmons spent a year on loan at Town before going to the North East while O’Brien has just returned from touring New Zealand with the GB Community Lions.

“It’s important that our squad is made up of the best Cumbrian players and Marcus is certainly that,” said Thorman, who is delighted to welcome the duo on board.

“He’s been at the top of the amateur game for a while now, having just recently returned from touring New Zealand with the Community Lions.

“After watching his games and speaking to his coaches, he was one of their best and most consistent performers. He has a fantastic attitude and is equally at home at hooker or in the back row.”

“And Conor is exactly the sort of player that Workington should be looking to recruit – a young, local lad that has proven himself at the top level.

“After speaking with Conor, I was very excited to hear how driven he was to be successful in the coming years.

“We need to make this club appealable enough to make sure our best juniors don’t need to leave the area to fulfill their aspirations of playing top flight rugby league and Conor will help us do that.”