TOWN ANNOUNCE 3 2027 SIGNINGS

We can confirm 3 more players have been added to 2027 squad list.

Workington Town RLFC are proud to announce we have agreed to new 2-year contracts with Jamie Doran, Jack Ainley and Grant Reid. 

Jonty on Jack Ainley:

'Jack is in his first year in the pro game and we both had the vision of him playing most of the year on DR with Kells and giving him a game with Town here and there.  Jack must have had a different view to me because since his first game in preseason he has ended up playing more games than we thought and, at times, being my first pick back row. He's a big thing, still developing and he runs a good line and can bounce out of tackles and cause teams problems. He's got a couple of things he needs to work on but that said, he's in his first year and has impressed me, the coaching staff and his team mates. 

So, to get a young West Cumbrian forward, with the potential Jack has got, on a 2-year deal is absolutely fantastic for Workington Town, we are confident he will work on the aspects of his game he needs to as his attitude is first class'

Jonty on Jamie Doran:

To retain Jamie Doran on a 2 year deal is massive for the club. He's probably the most experienced player we've got, and his knowledge and skill set is invaluable to how we progress as a team in the future. Jammer is Town through and through and the dedication he's put in since coming back from his injury has been top draw, his fitness is getting close to the fittest he's been backed up by the stats and there is a determination to extend his player career and that lead us to agreeing he can still take the team forward as a spine player and leader for at least those 2 years. It's important we retained him. 

On and off the field, Jammer is exactly what we need to progress, and hopefully other potential signings will take Jammers lead and commit to the club'

Jonty on Grant Reid:

'What can I say about Grant Reid's total turnaround! Grant won't mind me saying, at the end of last season, I told Grant I wasn't going to retain him for this season. The reason being he was overweight leading him to not meet the fitness that's needed for semi pro rugby. With Grant being a Town diehard, I went back to him a few weeks later, challenged him and offered him a pay as you play contract, with a condition that he had to work on his fitness. He certainly done that and been a big plus point for us in 2026! 

The transformation was very impressive, leading the forwards (and some backs) in the preseason conditioning. In doing so he gained my confidence to give him game time after I was going to exclude him from my Town plans. 

He has impressed in games because he could do things this season that he couldn't do last season, purely down to his attitude to his fitness. He's a different player and I'm glad I gave him a chance because he has impressed me this season, that's why we've offered him a 2 year deal, the key for Grant now is to continue that hard work and we feel his deal is fair and has rewarded the hard work and mentality change, we all know a Town crowd respects full on commitment to the badge and we look forward to seeing the very best of Grant Reid in the next 2 years'.

These 3 locally based players add to the following players who are already on 2 year or more agreements for 2027.

Jack Stephenson 

Jake Bradley 

Zarrin Galea

Jude Lupton 

Braden Leigh 

Tyce Walmsley