Workington Town hooker James Newton says the team and rugby league got him through a tough couple of months - following the death of his father.

And he admitted his family were touched by the entire team wearing training tops in memory of his father Matthew ahead of last weekend's League 1 season opener at Keighley.

"I have obviously had a hard time recently, losing my dad and some other family members," said Newton, who previously spent five seasons at Whitehaven.

"But the club have just done everything in their power to support both me and my family and the training tops were a lovely gesture.

"They got in touch with me when they came up with the idea and I spoke to my mam and my sister who all agreed."

The former Millom amateur added: "I think it really touched my mam at the weekend when she saw everyone wearing them.

"Rugby and the team environment at Town has kept me going over the last few weeks.

"If you sit about you tend to get upset about everything but training with the boys and getting out there has helped me."

The training tops will be worn by the squad for the full season and feature the words Matty, as James' father was known, and a dove, to represent his love of pigeon racing.

"The club have said they are trying to base the season around him and for me to see all the lads wearing the tops, it is like he is still here with me," said Newton.

"He very rarely missed a game when I played so this means he is still there for me."

Town are back in action on Saturday when they face Hunslet Parkside at the South Leeds Stadium in the third round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup, ko 2.30pm.