Whitehaven have re-signed their former Kells winger Jordan Burns as the build-up to 2017 and League One continues.

Local-based players are going to form a solid base for both Haven and neighbours Workington Town as they prepare for life at rugby league’s third tier.

Burns, 21, joined the Recreation Ground club from Warrington Academy in 2014 and in his first full Championship season scored ten tries in a dozen appearances.

Since then he has appeared in 22 more Championship matches and added seven tries to his personal tally. In all matches he has played 43 times and collected 20 tries.

The gutsy, pacey winger is a product of the Kells club before he was spotted by Warrington and signed for their Academy set-up.

Burns had a couple of injury issues in the season just ended but is expected to prove a top finisher when Haven get to grips with League One next year.

Amanda Hewer, the Whitehaven general manager said: “Jordan has scored some fantastic tries for the club already, none better than the one he scored in the recent away game at Swinton.

“We had competition this year to keep Jordan at Whitehaven so we are over the moon that he has decided to stay.”

Whitehaven coach Carl Forster, immersed in team building, said: “I am really happy to bring Jordan back to the club.

“He is a great, young local and he is only going to get better the more game time he has. The type of rugby we will be playing next season will really suit his style of play and I look forward to him scoring many more tries in Whitehaven’s colours.”

Forster is looking to have a good blend of youth and experience in his 2017 squad and has been talking with several potential signings, as well as with locals – amateurs and also who were members of Haven’s 2016 squad.

The Haven coach has already said that he is looking for a quick return to the Championship, even though newcomers Toronto will start hot favourites to win the competition.