Last updated at 12:02, Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Whitehaven have signed Super League prop Paul Jackson in a big move to power-up their pack for their Championship challenge next term.

Paul Jackson

The 33-year-old has spent his entire career in the top-flight, making over 250 appearances, starring for Castleford Tigers, Huddersfield Giants and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. He has spent the last two seasons with the Tigers, in his second stint at Cas.

“We were looking for a really experienced prop to add to our pack, and Paul’s been outstanding in Super League,” said Haven chief executive Barry Richardson.

“We were made aware he was available and were keen to move quickly and sign him. We want to build a big, powerful pack and see him as a key part of that.

“Meeting him, he’s a really good lad and very well-respected throughout the game, a player who leads by example.”

He is based in the Leeds area and will travel to training with team-mate Jamie Rooney.

The club’s Vice Presidents’ group made a financial contribution to help secure the deal, and he will attend the latest VP night on Friday, when Haven legend Gary Broadbent will be inaugurated in to their Hall of Fame.

Jackson returned to the field this summer after 10 months out with a finger injury suffered playing for Cas in last year’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Leeds Rhinos.

He underwent four operations and had a metal pin inserted in the finger in order to return to action, but was told by Cas he would not be offered a new deal for next season.

Fellow prop Dave Houghton, one of Haven’s top forwards last term, recently penned a fresh two-year deal and the club will look to add further to their pack.

First published at 11:27, Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk