Three Former Workington Town Players Sign For Newcastle Thunder
Newcastle Thunder have signed three players from Workington Town's squad, bringing Evan Lawther, Toby Gibson and Oscar Doran back to the North East club.
The triple signing brings together three players who featured for Workington during the previous season, with each having different connections to Newcastle and the wider North East rugby league community. Lawther and Gibson are returning to Thunder after spending time with Town, while Doran has also agreed to join the club following his spell in Cumbria. The additions strengthen Newcastle's squad ahead of the forthcoming campaign and reunite the players with familiar surroundings as the club looks to build on its previous season's achievements.
Lawther, aged 23, is particularly pleased to be returning to Newcastle Thunder, where he previously began his professional rugby league career. He had a brief spell with Whitehaven in 2024 before returning to the North East, having initially joined Newcastle the previous year. His latest move represents another opportunity to establish himself at the club where his professional career began. During his time with Workington, he gained further experience and became part of the team's playing group.
Lawther said he was looking forward to returning at an exciting stage in the club's development. He also expressed his desire to contribute towards maintaining the progress achieved during the previous season and giving supporters something to enjoy. His comments reflect his enthusiasm about rejoining familiar teammates and working within an environment he already knows. The centre's previous experience with Newcastle, combined with the additional opportunities he gained at Workington, could prove valuable as he prepares for his return.
During his time with Town, Lawther also continued his involvement in representative rugby league through North East Universities. He featured in university origin fixtures against the North West, providing further opportunities to develop his game outside the regular club competition. His university connections also brought him into contact with Oscar Doran, who played alongside him for Northumbria University. The university side had previously achieved national championship success, giving both players experience in a competitive environment beyond their respective club commitments.
Doran, aged 22, is another player making the move to Newcastle Thunder after spending time with Workington. The winger and centre has strong connections to West Cumbria, having played junior rugby league with Kells while also participating in rugby union at St Benedict's. His sporting background has included experience across both codes, giving him opportunities to develop different aspects of his game. His return to the North East also brings him closer to the region where he has spent much of his recent playing and educational career.
Doran previously attracted attention from former Whitehaven head coach Jonty Gorley, who recognised his potential while working at the club. In early 2023, the young outside back spent time with Newcastle Falcons before deciding against pursuing a career in rugby union at that stage. He subsequently received an invitation to train with Whitehaven, eventually securing a contract with the rugby league club. The move provided him with an opportunity to continue developing his skills in the professional game.
His first season with Whitehaven produced 11 appearances and four tries, demonstrating his ability to contribute in attacking positions. He made a further seven appearances during 2024, although an injury disrupted his progress. Doran subsequently signed for Workington in 2025, but a back injury prevented him from making an appearance during that season. Despite the setback, Gorley retained confidence in his ability and renewed his contract in November of that year, providing him with another opportunity to return to competitive rugby.
Doran said he was extremely pleased to be joining Newcastle Thunder. Having spent the previous three years in the North East, he described the area as a second home and expressed his hope of making a positive contribution both on and off the field. His familiarity with the region and previous connections to Newcastle should help him settle into the club. The move also gives him an opportunity to put his injury difficulties behind him and continue progressing in his rugby league career.
The third signing is prop forward Toby Gibson, who will turn 22 on Christmas Eve. Gibson joined Workington around a year ago after previously spending time within Newcastle Thunder's playing system. A cross-code player, he developed his rugby league skills at Siddal amateur rugby league club and also played rugby union with Old Brodleians. His background includes experience at both youth and professional development levels, providing him with a foundation in the physical and technical demands of the forward position.
Gibson's early development included involvement with Super League club Leeds, although the Covid pandemic disrupted his first scholarship year. He remained active within the club's under-16 and under-17 programmes during 2021 before progressing into the academy in 2022. Injuries interrupted parts of his development season, but he still gained valuable experience and made three substitute appearances in victories against Huddersfield, Castleford and Wakefield. Those opportunities formed part of his progression towards senior rugby league.
He subsequently spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with Newcastle Thunder in League One, making a total of 36 appearances for the club. His move to Workington provided another opportunity to develop his senior career, although his involvement with Town was limited. After making an appearance for the Cumbrian side, he joined Keighley Cougars on a season-long loan. His return to Newcastle therefore represents a move back to a club where he already has considerable experience and established connections.
Gibson said he was excited about returning to Thunder and playing alongside familiar faces again. He also expressed his ambition to help the club reproduce the success achieved during the previous campaign and continue building on that progress. His previous 36 appearances for Newcastle mean he will not be unfamiliar with the club's environment or expectations. The opportunity to return could provide an important platform for the young forward as he looks to secure a more regular role in the squad.
The three signings provide Newcastle Thunder with players who have different strengths and backgrounds, including experience in the centre, outside-back and forward positions. Lawther brings previous experience at the club and additional appearances for Workington, while Doran offers versatility in the outside backs and a determination to return to regular action following injury problems. Gibson adds experience in the forwards after his previous spell with Newcastle and his development through the academy system.
For Workington Town, the departures mark the end of the three players' involvement with the club following the previous season. Their moves also underline the connections between rugby league clubs across Cumbria and the North East, where players frequently progress through different teams while developing their careers. The latest transfers bring Lawther, Gibson and Doran back into a familiar regional rugby league environment as Newcastle Thunder prepare for their next campaign.
The announcements represent part of Newcastle's preparations for the forthcoming season, with the club looking to build on its previous achievements. All three players have expressed enthusiasm about joining or returning to Thunder, with their individual experiences expected to form part of the squad's preparations. Their progress will be followed with interest by supporters in both the North East and West Cumbria, particularly those who watched them represent Workington Town.
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