The 24-year-old will remain with the club until the end of the 2028 season, having previously played for Cumbrian rivals Workington Town during the latter part of the last campaign.

Mr Lewthwaite said: "I've saw what Newts and Gus were doing back end of the season.

"They really look like they've got a group and good club culture going on and I wanted to get involved with it.

"This was my opportunity, which is why I've decided to sign for two years."

He originally turned professional with Whitehaven ahead of the 2025 season, scoring nine tries in 11 appearances before his mid-season move to Workington.

Lewthwaite is Whitehaven's third signing for 2027, joining returning players Andrew Bulman from Barrow and Ross Ainley from Workington Town.