WHITEHAVEN has signed young prop Jackson Smith from Hensingham following a successful trial with the club.

Smith spent three years in Hull FC’s scholarship and academy programmes, having been the first player recruited from the Super League club’s West Cumbria development centre in 2022.

He returned to Whitehaven-based community side Hensingham last season and appeared in the National Conference League.

Now 18, he’s signed his first professional deal with Haven, who have also recruited forward Ben Pearce (Hensingham) and outside back Xenden Callander (Lowca) from the local amateur scene, alongside the returning Lewis Brown from Seaton Rangers, among ten signings.

Whitehaven have also revealed their squad numbers for the upcoming season, with Smith taking the 35 jersey.

Squad numbers: 1 Jordan Burns, 2 Mitchell Todd, 3 Chris Taylor, 4 Ethan Bickerdike, 5 Jay Weatherill, 6 Ciaran Walker, 7 Jack Newbegin, 8 Jake Pearce, 9 Ellison Holgate, 10 Jordan Thomson, 11 Connor Holliday, 12 Rio McQuistan, 13 Jack Kellett, 14 Josh Blinkhorn, 15 Ellis Nixon, 16 Brad Brennan, 17 Aaron Turnbull, 18 Cole Walker-Taylor, 19 Dave Eccleston, 20 Marc Shackley, 21 Joe Lowe, 22 Brett Bailey, 23 Ben Pearce, 24 Lewis Brown, 31 Xenden Callander, 35 Jackson Smith.