Kells' hotbed of talent has paid dividends for Whitehaven RL as they swooped in for two of their former junior stars this week.

Ex-Salford Red Devils U19 player Jonny Scott and Whitehaven's 2010 reserve-grade final winning captain Tyrone Dalton have joined the squad for the upcoming League One campaign.

Both players are products of the Kells set-up and continue coach Carl Forster's policy of seeking out top local talent. These signings take Haven to 23 for next season.

"With two more local lads signing we are moving steadily towards a more or less full squad," said coach Carl Forster.

"They are both imbued with a sense of wanting to win and that's a great attribute for any player - good for himself, the club and his team mates."

Play-maker Dalton has been a key part in Kells success over recent years, as they rose through the National Conference League ranks.

The free-scoring half-back will enter his second spell at the Recreation Ground while the club hope prop forward Scott will bring Super League experience to the team.

The versatile forward also played at centre and loose forward during his time with Kells before heading into the front row.

Haven have also announced they will take on Keighley in the first friendly of the new year.

Forster's team will travel to Yorkshire on Sunday, January 15 for a 2pm kick off at Cougar Park.

"Everyone is saying that there is a bit of a buzz about the whole town and an air of goodwill towards the club, this is amazing," said Forster. "I have come to realise how special this club is in the community."

And the 24-year-old coach is impressed with his squad's desire to get started.

He said: "We all want the season to start tomorrow, I have never known a bunch of lads so raring to go - even waiting to get stuck into the rigorous pre-season I have in mind. They have this 'bring it on' attitude which is so refreshing."

This week Forster has added Kells amateur Troy Armstrong, Distington's Aiden Worthington and former Workington players Karl Olstrom and Marc Shackley to his squad. He has also resigned Kurtis Quinn, Dave Allen and Chris Taylor.