Whitehaven's new coach Carl Forster has made his first signing for the club in 29-year-old half-back Steven Roper.

An experienced player, who can also operate at hooker, Roper has played the bulk of his senior rugby with Rochdale Hornets.

In a spell between 2009 and 2014, he played 84 times for the Hornets and was a key performer in their promotion season of 2013.

He then became a regular with Oldham when he was again instrumental in the Roughyeds winning promotion in 2015.

He played 49 times for Oldham, winning Man-of-the-Match against Hornets in the Law Cup fixture as well as in the shock Challenge Cup victory away at Hull KR.

Roper then rejoined Rochdale for the 2016 season, which just ended, with the Hornets again clinching promotion with a superb victory in Toulouse.

But his first-team appearances were limited to just four games.

During his early career, Roper signed for Workington Town after being released by Widnes and played 13 senior games in the 2009 season.

After signing Roper on a one-year contract coach Forster said: “I’m really pleased to get Steve.

"When I knew he was available, I was keen to get the deal done straight away.

"He’s the type of player we need, bringing direction and leadership on the field and his experience in this league will benefit us massively.”

Forster is keen to sign experienced players and also scout for new talent.

At the weekend, he went to watch the Academy Under-19s’ Grand Final, in which, St Helens beat Wigan 22-20.

He had an interest in a couple of players but also had representatives at the big west Cumbrian derby between Kells and Wath Brow.

“Getting the best of the local amateur talent and bringing in youngsters with potential from the pro ranks are two areas where I intend to be pro-active," he added.

“I will be out every weekend until the end of the year watching games.

“If there’s somebody who catches the eye I will watch him at least three times to make sure he is what I’m looking for."

Meanwhile, the Whitehaven club has sent best wishes to Dave Allen and Ugo Perez both of whom have been just called up to the Irish and French training squads respectively.

General manager Amanda Hewer said: “We would like to wish them good luck for the full selection.

“We think this reflects on the sterling performances these two players have put in for Whitehaven all season and that it reflects well on the Championship in general.”