WHITEHAVEN produced a Christmas cracker for their fans by luring Brett Phillips back into professional rugby league.

The 30-year-old second-row forward links-up with younger brother Callum who made the switch from Workington Town last season.

Brett decided to have a year out of the game after six seasons with Town following his signing from the amateur club Seaton Rangers in September 2011.

He has signed a one-year deal at the Recreation Ground and links up again with coach Gary Charlton, who gave him his professional debut in 2012.

Charlton said: “It’s a huge bonus for the club because he’s an enforcer down that left-hand side. He’s great in defence and attack.

“He’s been flying in training as well, so we’re all happy with the way he has been progressing.

“There’s no backward steps with Brett you know what you going to get out of him week in week out.”

Phillips added: “It’s good to be back out there amongst all of the lads again.

“Of course I’ve played in the same team as Jason Mossop, Marc Shackley, Kris Coward and obviously Callum.

“It’s been great to get back amongst them all again.

“I have kept myself ticking over while out of the game but there’s something different about training with a group again.

“It’s been great and they are a good set of lads.”

Whitehaven made a point of thanking supporter Shaun Drinkwater and his efforts with the Whitehaven RL 300 club to make the signing possible.

The fundraiser has already got more than 300 members thanks to his work during the off-season.

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