News

Liam Whitton has signed a new contract with Cornwall RLFC for the 2023 Betfred League 1 season.

The 21-year-old full back has been one of the Choughs’ stand out performers in this, the club’s maiden professional season.

Whitton joined Cornwall from Championship side Halifax in February and marked his first start for the club with a stunning try in a 62-22 defeat at North Wales Crusaders.

A graduate from the academy set-up at Super League giants Leeds Rhinos, Whitton has scored seven tries for Cornwall so far in 2022. He crossed the whitewash in yesterday’s 32-12 home reverse at the hands of Oldham Roughyeds.

And after the match, Cornwall’s last at home in 2022, Whitton crowned a fine first campaign in the Duchy by picking up the Supporters’ Player of the Year award.

“I have enjoyed every minute of being in Cornwall and it’s class that I am coming back in 2023,” he told cornwallrlfc.co.uk.

“Since I moved to Cornwall earlier this year, everyone has made me feel so welcome. The club is moving in the right direction even if the results haven’t reflected the progress we are making.

“The fans have been absolutely class and they have backed us all the way. We are building a side that can have a real go next year and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Cornwall head coach Neil Kelly says that Whitton agreeing to come back for another year gives the club a ‘timely boost’ with 2023 recruitment well underway.

“Liam has been one of our most consistent performers this year,” said the former Super League Coach of the Year. “He made a big decision to move down here and sign for a new developmental project but you can see that he’s enjoyed his football.

“I have said before that I see Liam, because of his age, as someone who could become a mainstay of this side and for Cornwall rugby league club in general.

“Like all clubs at this level, our planning for next season is well underway so for us to have someone like Liam tied down for next year already, it has given our recruitment and squad building a timely boost.”