Glenn Riley is coming home – re-joining Whitehaven after spending the last two years with Barrow Raiders.

The 27-year-old prop forward, who stands 6ft 5in and weighs in at 17½ stone, had played for two seasons with Haven.

During that time he notched up 52 appearances, scoring seven tries, and was a key figure when the team got to the League 1 play-offs final in 2017.

It was after that that he signed for Barrow, who had narrowly beaten Whitehaven to earn promotion.

He has agreed a one-year deal at the Recreation Ground.

Haven’s assistant coach Jonty Gorley said: “I haven’t actually coached Glenn before but I have coached against him and know what he’s capable of.

“You know what you are going to get from Glenn and he’s ideal for what we will need.

“The big plus is he is another locally-based player.

“He’s a big unit and strong going forward and has been playing Championship rugby which is going to be useful next year.

“We will need to be big and strong up front to compete in the Championship and both of our two signings so far will give us that.”

Riley started his rugby league career with amateur club Wath Brow Hornets.

He then signed for Warrington Wolves Academy and went on to play 18 times for the Super League team.

From the Wolves, Riley had three separate loan spells with Swinton Lions during which time he clocked up 41 more senior appearances.

He had a short spell with London Broncos before returning to his native West Cumbria in 2016.

Riley added: “I’m delighted to have signed back at my hometown club as it feels like there is a real buzz around the place and it appears to be going from strength to strength.

“Usually after a season finishes you are ready for a break and some downtime, but I can’t wait to get started ready for next season.”

One player who will not be returning next season is Carl Forster, who revealed on Twitter that he has made the reluctant decision to turn down a new contract to prioritise his family.

He said: "It's with a heavy heart I've decided not to re-sign at Whitehaven.

"My decision is based on needing to be closer to home to spend more time with the family and be able to concentrate on work outside of rugby.

"I've loved the last three years and more so the last three or four months getting the club back to where it should be.

"After being part of the team that was relegated it was massively important I wanted to leave on a high.

"I'd like to thank everyone associated with the club especially Des and the VPs, Mark Stamper who has always looked after me since day one, Charlo and the team for welcoming me back and especially the fans that always made me feel at home."