Whitehaven have confirmed the signing of former Swinton utility back Geronimo Doyle.

Doyle leaves the Lions after relegation from the Championship, signing a one-year deal at the LEL Arena.

The nephew of ex-Haven player Casino Doyle, he is at home at full-back or on the wing and gives head coach Jonty Gorley a goal-kicking option too.

Gorley said: "Geronimo is an excellent addition to our squad, especially with Gregg [McNally] not being able to commit. Geronimo can play most of the back positions but he's comfortable at full-back and I think he plays his best rugby there.

"He's a great returner of the ball, he can find the right pass in good ball and is defensively sound.

"Anytime Geronimo has played against us, whatever position he has played, he has always caught my eye.

"Having played Championship last season and played at a good standard when he was younger, Geronimo will be good for us."

The football committee's and club director Ashley Kilpatrick added: "It's brilliant to have Geronimo on board for 2022.

"He’s an exciting player to watch, an NZ residents player and NZ Maori international.

"He’s also very versatile as he can play anywhere in the backs but is most comfortable at full-back, has great footwork and a really good pass selection on him.

"He also recently won Swinton's players' player of the year and he was thought of really highly down at Heywood Road and we beat off some bigger more wealthy competition to get Geronimo here.

"We’ve been speaking for a couple of months to Geronimo; he's a really humble lad and keen to get going at the LEL Arena.

"He’s expected back in the UK the first week in January after a short break back home in New Zealand.

"He also has some family nostalgia here; his uncle Casino played for us in the Nineties.

"I’d also like to thank Kasey King, who has been absolutely brilliant to deal with helping get Geronimo here.

"I’d also like to thank the vice-presidents, who have yet again stepped up to help us with the flights for Geronimo.

"I can’t thank them enough for doing this, it’s massively appreciated by everyone at the club and would urge supporters to join this as it is a big help to the club; contact Des Byrne or Ron Batty if you would like to join."