Dalton and Patrick sign for Whitehaven

Last updated 21:24, Wednesday, 25 June 2008

EX-WORKINGTON Town youngster Tyrone Dalton and Great Britain amateur international John Patrick have turned pro with Whitehaven.

John Patrick in action for Cumbria against Yorkshire, and inset, Tyrone Dalton

The pair had been on trial at the Recreation Ground and have now committed until the end of the season.

Warrington-born Patrick, who was raised in Whitehaven, has proved a sensation for BARLA this term, scoring five tries in just two appearances.

And the powerful centre has given up the possibility of touring New Zealand with GB next year to commit to Haven.

“When I first went to the club on trial for four weeks I wasn’t going to sign, I just wanted to see how it went,” Patrick said.

“But I really enjoyed it and everyone’s been spot-on. I have just signed until the end of the season, which is quite good for me.

“I’ll play reserve-grade and see how it goes from there. I’d never really thought before about turning professional. I just play because I enjoy it.”

Patrick is 25 but has completed just two seasons in the Cumberland ARL with Cockermouth, as he joined the Army at 17 and later spent a year in Australia, visiting family.

Teenager Dalton was recently released by Town and is a former Great Britain junior.

He turned pro with Town last year and was named most influential player at the senior academy’s end-of-season presentation night.

The ex-Kells half-back made four first-team appearances this term, including three of the bench for Town.

A Haven spokesman said today: “Ged Stokes worked with John at Cockermouth before he took the Whitehaven job and was one of the lads he had targeted to sign.

“Tyrone has returned to his home-town club and we hope he can contribute greatly to it. You are always looking for decent half-backs.”