Whitehaven RLFC are looking to continue their recent record of success with recruits from Down Under after confirming the signing of Australian Alex Bishop.

Bishop, who can play as a half-back or hooker, has put pen to paper on a 12-month deal with the club.

The 27-year-old has played for a number of clubs including the Redcliffe Dolphins and North Devils.

Head coach Jonty Gorley said: “It's great to have a player of Alex’s pedigree come to Whitehaven.

"He's played over 100 games in the Intrust Cup and to do that you must be a decent player.

"During that time he has played for the Broncos and Storm feeder teams playing alongside numerous NRL players.

"Alex will bring this experience and that will be a massive boost for us with him playing in the halves.

"He can also cover hooker equally as good as he performs at half.

"We've tried for two years to get his signature and finally we have it.

"Signing someone like Alex adds quality to my squad and gives me different options for team selection.”

Bishop said he was 'grateful' for the opportunity.

He added: “Look forward to getting over there, meeting everyone and playing some good footy.”

Director Ashley Kilpatrick said: “I’m delighted to get Alex over the line.

"He’s a half-back who we have been chasing for a long time.

"We looked at bringing Alex over for this season but due to his work back in Oz it wasn’t viable.

"Now to finally get him over the line and have him coming here next year is brilliant news for us.

"He is a vastly experienced half-back in the Queensland Cup competition; Alex has played for some very good teams in that competition.

"I’ve been speaking to Alex for the last 12 to 18 months about coming here; he is a great lad to speak to, down to earth and I believe he will fit right in.

"He is friends with former haven coach Don Gailer, who has sold the area to him.

"Again, I have to say a huge thanks to Des Byrne and the VPs for stepping up and helping the club with Alex flights and can’t stress enough to people to sign up to the VPs as they make our jobs with the recruitment side of the club easier doing things like this for us.”