YOUNG Cumbrian pack prospect Tyce Walmsley turned down Super League offers to pen a professional contract at Workington Town.

The 16-year-old received Academy offers from top-flight teams but has opted to stay in his home county and concentrate on his education.

He has signed a two-year deal with Workington, with an option for a third, and will play alongside studying business management at Workington’s Energy Coast University Technical College.

Loose-forward Walmsley, who hails from Whitehaven, will be dual-registered with his community club Kells.

He captained England Lions Under 16s and was part of the the St Benedict’s Catholic High School Year Eleven side which won their age-group Champion Schools trophy this year.

Town coach Jonty Gorley said: “Signing Tyce was an easy decision. He has been training with us this year and did not look out of place in anything we did.

“He has excelled during his youth career, with the highlight captaining his country, as well as captaining and winning the national schools competition.

“Tyce has his head screwed on because there were Super League clubs after his signature, but he has also got really good grades at school, so is staying in the area to study, and that’s why he signed with us.

“It’s now our job to nurture him into the best player he can be while also looking after him.

“I’ve no doubt Tyce can reach the top if he puts the hard work in. I’ve also no doubt if he lived in Lancashire or Yorkshire he would definitely be the name on everyone’s lips.”