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Town sign prop Savelio

Workington Town this week signed giant Super League prop Lokeni Savelio and coach Gary Murdock promised there were more signings to come.

The 30-year-old Kiwi has signed a one year deal with an option for a second year after agreeing a deal with the club.

It brings to an end six weeks of negotiations with Savelio, who Murdock had made his number one target once he heard that he had been released from his contract by Super League side Halifax.

The Western Samoa International has previously played for Salford and Widnes before joining Halifax last year.

Gary Murdock said, "I am absolutely delighted to have got Lokeni and the fans will love him. It has taken a long time to sort out but it was worth it and he is one of the final pieces in the jigsaw. It will enable us to be more competitive but there will be more signings to come before the season starts".

Egremont ace signs three-year contract.

William Blackburn, the Egremont amateur who proved such a big hit with Workington Town last season has committed himself to the cause. The 26 year old second-row forward has signed a three-year contract with the Derwent Park club.

Coach Gary Murdock said "I am very pleased because William came to us last season from the amateur game and for the first half a dozen matches was outstanding. He had a few injury problems after that, but he still finished the season playing 16 matches, and for someone straight out of the amateur code, that's very good."

Top teenager Barrie signs.

Coach Gary Murdock has made his first major signing from the club's successful academy team by snapping up nephew Barrie Murdock.

The club moved fast to sign the youngster on a three-year deal. The 17 year old has been one of most consistent performers for the academy this year and will still be eligible to play for the side next season.

Barrie has been playing in the second row but his favoured position is at hooker. He has been gaining experience by playing for the Maryport first team.

A delighted Barrie said "I want to play for the academy next year, but I also want to get a decent run in the Alliance and will be working hard over the winter to put on some weight."

Murdock pleased with recruitment

Things are looking particularly good for Town. Not only have they picked up Whitehaven's top points scorer Kevin Hetherington and leading try scorer Neil Frazer from last season but they have also re-signed Antony Samuel and Matt Sturm as well as signing Tane Manihera from Barrow.

Gary Murdock announced that Carl Sice has agreed to sign a two year extension to his contract that would had finished at the end of the season. Murdock added "we have already had interest from other clubs about Carl and there will be other clubs banging on the door soon".

One player who is yet to sign a new deal is John Allen. Huddersfield have enquired about him but he is training hard and Murdock is very keen to see him sign a new deal

Stadium development plans.

The club have been talking with potential contractors over the development of Derwent Park with plans to develop Derwent Park into a stadium fit for the Super League.

The companies involved will shortly be giving presentations to the club's directors who will hold a public meeting with supporters to see how they should proceed with the development.

Kipper shines against Kiwis

Town star Craig Fisher is being hunted by clubs in New Zealand after masterminding the first ever defeat of the Kiwi students in their own country.

'Kipper' had been sinbinned in the GB students first tour match against Victoria, but played well in the second against Waikato and started Wednesdays match at half back.

He bagged an 11-point haul with a try, three goals and a drop goal and led Britain to a 34 - 26 victory. Craig also received the man of the match trophy.

In a phone call to the West Cumberland Times and Star Craig said, "That was the best I have ever played and it was absolutely unbelievable."

Scots RU player in talks with Town

Town held talks last week with a Scottish rugby union player in an attempt to get him to switch codes.

The young player, who has not been named, is on the verge of a move to top Scottish side Edinburgh Reivers.

But Town star Leigh Smith, currently playing union with Wigton, played with the Scot at Bath's feeder club and has persuaded him to speak with Workington Town before making a decision.

Coach Gary Murdock has met the player and believes he could comfortably make the switch to scrum half or loose forward. "He is a stocky lad and Leigh said he is keen to play rugby league. Leigh has done a good job in getting him to talk to us before signing for the Reivers and he could prove a good signing."