Whitehaven give halfback new deal after devastating injury against St Helens earlier this season

Whitehaven Rugby League have announced that Alex Bishop has signed a new 12 month contract which will see the Australian half-back remain at The LEL Arena for the 2023 season. 

Bishop who made 9 appearances scoring 3 tries and 21 goals last season before having his season curtailed in the final seconds of the Challenge Cup tie vs St Helens as his kneecap shattered in a innocuous looking tackle spoke saying “I was devastated for my season to end the way it did but I’m happy to be at Whitehaven next season and looking forward to getting back to playing.”

Bishop has spent his time on the sidelines being fully integrated with the club’s community work running summer caps alongside the Copeland development foundation as well being involved with the West Cumbria Development side and the girls future programme.

Interim CEO Ashley Kilpatrick spoke saying “ I’m delighted we’ve been able to tie Alex down for another 12 months, I think we were just starting to see the best of Alex before his injury against St Helens.

“Alex has bought into what we are doing with the community stuff and has been coaching the development squad along with Will Evans and the girls side along with Claire Hall.

“I think next season we will see the best of Bish coming back off this injury, he’s keen to get back out on the field and show us what he can do.”

After signing for the club last year, Bishop said: “ I’m grateful for the opportunity the club has given me and look forward to getting over there, meeting everyone and playing some good footy.”

Bishop’s season ending injury last season no doubt was worsened by the fact it came against a side with whom he has family ties with his grandfather Tommy Bishop playing for the Saints in 1966 Challenge Cup Final win over Wigan as well as captaining Great Britain.

Fit again he’ll be hoping he can live up to his grandfather’s legacy.