Whitehaven RL sign Karl Dixon and Callum Phillips in Captain role

Karl Dixon has been selected as club captain having taken over from Marc Shackley who retired at the end of last season due to a knee injury. Callum Phillips will remain in his role as Vice Captain.

Head coach Jonty Gorley said: "The decision to make Karl my captain this season was quite an easy choice to make if I'm being honest. Karl is a natural leader, both by example and by the way he is around the other lads, at training and on game days.

"Karl stood in last year when we lost some experience when Shacks, Gregg and Callum were missing for quite a few games and he took to the role no problem.

"Karl has taken to the professional game like I knew he would and I haven't a problem with him leading my team this year."

Mr Dixon added: "I’m absolutely chuffed to be asked to captain my home town team. I was captain for a chunk of the season last season when shacks was injured and really enjoyed it, hopefully we have as much success as last year if not better. Big thanks to Jonty and the staff for picking me hopefully i can do them proud.

"It’s going to be a tough season with the quality everyone’s brought in but we’ve signed very well and I think we’ve got the squad to really compete this year."

Scottish international Phillips joined the club back in 2018 and will now be moving into his fifth season in the club, remaining in his role as vice captain.

Mr Phillips said: "It’s an honour to be named vice caption again, think Dicko (Karl Dixon) is a great shout for captain and I’m looking forward to having that partnership with him. We all know it’s going to be a tough season but feel like Jonty is putting everything in place for it to be a successful one and I’m looking forward to it."

Mr Gorley said: "The way Callum plays the game really helps me as a coach and he plays well above his weight, leads be example and always give 110%, both at training and in games."