Workington Town sign Widnes Viking scrum-half Steve Roper
Last updated 10:44, Tuesday, 07 October 2008
Workington Town have landed a huge signing in Widnes Viking scrum-half Steve Roper.
Roper, 21, who appeared 13 times for National League One Widnes last season, penned a one-year deal with the NL2 outfit last night.
The former England schoolboy signed for Vikings from Warrington Wolves who he joined in 2005, having turned professional with Wigan in 2003.
Town coach Dave Rotheram, who coached Roper in the England Schoolboys Under-15 side, said: “Steve comes very highly recommended and is the type of young player we are starting to attract to Workington. He’s young and enthusiastic and, more importantly, comes from a professional background, having joined the Wigan Academy at the age of 16.
“Steve’s an exciting signing and, although I didn’t set out to do it at the time, 11 of the 22 players we have on the books now are 22-years-old or younger.
“Widnes have four quality half-backs in James Webster, Anthony Thackeray, John Duffy and Lee Patterson and Steve was released at the end of the 2008 season.”
Roper played in the Vikings Reserve Grade side that beat Halifax 48-18 in the Reserve Grand Final a fortnight ago, and told News & Star Sport: “It’s a good opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.
“I’ve played with Jay Duffy for England Schoolboys and Wigan St Pats, and I played with Tom Brindle (Town’s recent signing from Barrow) also with England. I hope to bring professionalism and enthusiasm to the side.
“Dave Rotheram is a good coach and I am looking forward to playing in a Town shirt.”
The signing will be seen as a key signing after the departure of young half-backs Liam Campbell and Carl Forber from Derwent Park in the last few weeks.
Rotheram also indicated that a couple of other signings could be on the cards before he heads for Australia next week to assist coach Steve McCormack in leading Scotland in the forthcoming Rugby League World Cup.
