Whitehaven snap up Australian fullback

Whitehaven have signed Australian fullback or halfback Dylan Morris on a one-year for the 2021 season.

The 22-year-old spent six years progressing through the academy system at St George Illawarra Dragons and was due to return to his junior club, Kiama Knights, before the Covid-19 pandemic.

He comes from a famous rugby league family, being the half-brother of current NRL stars Brett and Josh Morris, while his father is former Australia and New South Wales halfback Steve Morris.

“I’m excited to be coming to the UK,” Morris said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do and when the opportunity came along with Whitehaven I couldn’t turn it down.

“It will be a different experience as it’s a different game over there but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Whitehaven head coach Gary Charlton added: “Dylan looks an exceptional talent, he has plenty of pace, good footwork and is an exciting player.

“He knows how to score a try and that is always a bonus. We think he will complement what we have and are looking forward to seeing him at the Rec.”

Morris is the club’s fifth recruit from down under, joining forwards Ryan King and Dean Zammit, utility back Lachlan Walmsley and Kiwi halfback Nikau Williams in moving to Cumbria next season.