Strong-running forward Gordon Maudling has burst successfully on to the scene since turning professional with Workington Town – and he has been rewarded with a new contract.

Maudling, a former cross-code amateur, made an immediate impact on the Town side and has earned himself a regular berth this season.

And the club’s director of rugby Les Ashe was delighted to see the second rower sign a new two-year deal.

“Gordon only joined the club mid-way through the season but he’s had a massive impact here at Town since scoring a hat-trick on his debut,” said Ashe.

“He had been playing rugby union and some amateur rugby league for Hensingham so he was a good capture for us and he then took to to the professional game like a duck to water.

“He’s a tough defender, very skilful and knows where the try line is.

“The opposition certainly know when they’ve played against Gordon.”

Ashe also added that keeping the best local talent, like Maudling, is still an integral part of the club’s future.

He said: “When we signed Gordon we said we were looking to sign the best local players and signings as part of our long term strategy to restructure the club not just for this season but for the future.

“We’re therefore very happy to have secured Gordon for the next two seasons.”

Maudling is the third local player to re-sign for Workington this week as they look to build a squad for next year.

He follows on from the news that Stevie Scholey and Tom Curwen have both committed their futures to the Derwent Park side.

“All three have played a massive part in where we are this year,” added Ashe.

“It is a good start for us as we look to retain the majority, if not all, of our current squad. Hopefully we will also be able to add to it but inevitably there will be changes.

“But it is a real positive start that these local lads have committed to us for the next two years.”

The Town squad have had a week off with no fixture this weekend due to the Challenge Cup final.

But then they will be back in action the following Sunday against Barrow Raiders.