Whitehaven’s Papua New Guinea duo are back on board for the 2020 season and keen for the club to consolidate in the Championship.

Dion Aiye and Jessie Joe Parker have become part of the furniture at the Recreation Ground club, highly respected by fans, team-mates and officials alike.

Parker has applied for British citizenship and Whitehaven have requested a testimonial from the RFL this season for the popular centre.

Haven chairman Tom Todd said: “It would be great for Jessie to have this testimonial at Whitehaven, where he’s proved enormously popular.

“Both he and Dion are going to be really important for us in the Championship, where their power and experience will be invaluable.”

Aiye was already under contract until the end of next year, but he has now extended his stay until the completion of the 2022 season.

A utility player, equally home at stand-off or at loose forward, the 32-year-old made 20 appearances last season with 14 from the bench, scoring six tries.

After agreeing a contract extension, Aiye said: “I’ve been here for the last five years and it's like my second home.

“I enjoy it here, so I’m really pleased to sign until the end of 2022.

“I’m looking forward to next season because, although we all know it will be tough, it’s going to be a challenge which we are all prepared for.”

His compatriot, 34-year-old Parker, has signed a new one-year contract, having been at the club since 2012 when he made his debut in a Good Friday derby just over 24 hours after landing in the country.

He made 15 appearances in 2019, scoring three tries.

After signing, he said: “I’m very happy to commit again to the club which has been my home for eight years.

“It means a lot to me to have signed another deal with the club.

“The Championship will be tough but the boys are preparing well and I think we will go okay.”