Workington Town captain Graeme Mattinson will remain at the club until the end of the 2017 season after signing a new two-year deal at Zebra Claims Stadium.

The hooker has been out of action since June after dislocating his shoulder but is raring to go after a successful operation on the injury.

Mattinson has made 94 appearances for Town since joining from Whitehaven in 2011.

“It’s great to be back for the next two years,” Mattinson said. “My operation went well and the specialist cleared me to start training again.”

The hooker’s season was cut short as he dislocated his shoulder in Town’s 38-16 home defeat to Bradford Bulls.

Mattinson missed over a dozen games with his injury last season but said he was pleased to see the development of Callum Phillips and Jamie Doran who both deputised at hooker in his absence.

“It was tough sitting on the sidelines, especially when Jarrod [Sammut] came into the side and the lads put some really good performances in,” he continued. Callum and Jamie have improved as players and we’ve got a lot of good youngsters in the squad, I’m really excited for next year.”

Town Director Gary Mounsey is delighted with the news and believes that a player of Mattinson’s experience is an invaluable asset to the squad.

“I’m very pleased. He’s got a lot of experience and we are all delighted that he has committed to the club for another two years,” he said.

“He has a lot of respect from everyone at the club and in rugby league and he’s the ultimate professional.

“When new lads come in to the side they look up to people like Graeme.”