Hooker James Tilley has re-signed for Whitehaven on a new two-year deal.

The 23-year-old played 28 times for the club in the season just ended and scored two tries.

He joined Haven a year ago after spending a couple of years with Rochdale Hornets.

In his debut season, Tilley proved to be one of Haven’s most consistent performers.

Player-coach Carl Forster said: "I'm made up to have James signed up for two more years. I believe he's been one of the unsung heroes of the year.

“He always does the small things, consistently well all year. He's a great lad and a great player.”

Tilley had joined Rochdale Hornets from St Helens whom he had joined at the age of 11.

He was there almost ten years and the versatile forward was named player of the year at Under-16s, Under-18s and Under-19s level.

He made a couple of Super League appearances at Saints but was not offered a contract at the end of the season.

Forster added: “This is the first of our signings which will be announced in the coming weeks as we aim to have a squad in 2018 that can once again push for promotion.”

After signing his contract, Tilley said: “In some ways it has been a difficult year but a really enjoyable one.

“We have become one off the closest teams that I have played in.

“I’m happy to be able to commit to putting the club back where it belongs in the Championship next year and then staying there the year after.”

Whitehaven chairman Tommy Todd said: “I would just like to thank Haven Vice-Presidents/Haven Horizon group for helping to finance this particular deal.”

So far, Whitehaven have player-coach Forster, Connor Holliday and Tilley re-signed on two-year contracts.