Whitehaven’s signing spree is close to being concluded after two more local players joined the Recreation Ground club.

For Kells half-back Tyrone Dalton, it is a return to the club he last represented in 2011, playing three games in that season.

Another Kells product, forward Jonny Scott, is linking-up with Whitehaven for the first time after his release by Salford.

Dalton, 26, has been playing some excellent rugby at Kells this season, starring in the National Conference Premier Division.

He had played a significant role in helping Kells go through the divisions to reach the top flight.

He was the playmaking captain of Whitehaven’s 2010 reserve - grade final winning team and is the son of popular ex-Whitehaven winger Jimmy Dalton.

General manager Amanda Hewer said: “Tyrone has matured over the years and is a fast, strong and intelligent player who will fit seamlessly into Carl's plans.”

Scott, 19, is another product off the Kells conveyor belt of talent who played prop, centre or loose forward before signing for Salford.

There he returned to the prop forward role and last season was a member of the Salford Under-19s squad.

In his amateur days, he was a prolific try scorer particularly when he had reverted to the centre position, where he had the space to display his array of talents. He was very frequently picked as man-of-the-match.

Team coach Carl Forster said: “With two more local lads signing, we are moving steadily towards a more or less full squad.

“They are both imbued with a sense of wanting to win and that's a great attribute for any player.

"It’s not only good for them but also the club and his team-mates."

“Everyone is saying that there is a bit of a buzz about the whole town and an air of good will towards the club, which is great," Forster added.

“I have come to realise how special this club is in the community. We all want the season to start tomorrow.

"I have never known a bunch of lads so raring to go - even itching to get stuck into the rigorous pre-season I have in mind.

They have this 'bring it on' attitude, which is so refreshing."

Whitehaven’s football committee has come in for high praise for the way, in which, they have put the effort in over a short space of time to bring a competitive squad close to fruition.