Former cross-code amateur Gordon Maudling believes he can get even better in the professional game after putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal with Workington Town.

After a promising start to life as a professional, forward Gordon Maudling has been rewarded with a new contract.

He now wants to carry on his development and, with the benefit of a full preseason, hopes to establish himself as a first team regular.

"It's just about improving," he said.

"I want to be a first team regular, in the side all the time.

"I do feel like I've improved a lot and I've only been there six months.

"I'm hoping that next year, with a good preseason, that I can get even better."

Maudling adapted quickly to League 1 rugby, bagging a hat-trick on his debut at Hemel, but he admitted it has been a steep learning curve as he made the jump from the amateur game.

He said: "I came to Workington because they seemed very interested in me, told me I was going to be given my chance and if I was good enough I'd play.

"I knew it was going to be hard but it was always something I wanted to do so when the chance came I was going to take it.

"It's totally different when you do play at a higher level because it's so much more structured.

"You can't just do your own thing, you've got to be disciplined.

"It's a lot more physical and the fitness levels have to be a lot higher in the professional game.

"It's been a big transition but the coach said I've been improving every game.

"I've scored seven tries in about nine games so I must be doing something right."

Maudling was the third local player to re-sign for Workington this week, following Stevie Scholey and Tom Curwen.