Workington Town have signed talented hooker Blain Marwood to boost their squad ahead of the League 1 run-in.

Marwood was a crucial cog for Barrow Island and joined Town on a 28-day trial recently.

He impressed enough during his short stay to earn a contract at Derwent Park.

Marwood, whose dad Dean was a big part of the successful Town side in the 1990s, has built a strong reputation in local rugby league circles.

He was the National Conference League Division Three Player of the Year last year and was also named Man of the Series for Cumbria in their tri-counties campaign.

Town director of rugby Gary Murdock said: “Blain has really stood out over the last few weeks due to his commitment, enthusiasm and application.

“He constantly gives 100 per cent, has great pace and he’s fearless on the pitch.

“He’s been on trialist forms and although he didn’t get much game time, he scored on debut and I’m looking forward to watching him develop as a professional.

“He’s a great lad who’s fitted in very well at the club and with the squad.’’

The signing is a positive for the club and head coach Chris Thorman as he looks to guide the club back into the play-off places and build on last weekend’s dramatic win against London Skolars.

Town will return to Derwent Park on Sunday (3pm kickoff) as they host Keighley Cougars in league action.

The club has played its last three home league games at Borough Park, the home of Workington Reds, due to weather delays to pitch work at Derwent Park.

Town tweeted: “We’d like to say thank you to Workington AFC for allowing us to share their facilities over the last couple of months.”

Town came out of a bad spell to beat the Skolars 32-22 last Sunday in an emotionally-charged game following the death of team manager Brian Ritson.

The Cougars have also just emerged from a rotten run of form to win two of their last three.