By Helen Thompson

Last updated 10:21, Saturday, 22 November 2008

Australian half-back Michael Watton has penned a deal with Workington Town for 2009.

Put it there: Workington Town director Les Smallwood, welcomes Michael Watton to the Derwent Park

Former Gateshead Thunder star Watton, 23, signed yesterday and is hoping to be thrown right into the action as part of the team to face the Australian Fijians next weekend at Derwent Park.

Watton, who spent a year with the St George Dragons, back in Australia, has high hopes for his time at Workington.

He said: “It is right in the heart of rugby league and I am looking forward to the challenge.

“I had heard about the club being successful last year and getting to the play-offs and hopefully we can build on that and go a step further next season.”

Watton and his partner Libby have moved to the area and he is raring to get into training with his new team-mates.

There will be one familiar face for him at training as he played with Ryan Benjafield a few years ago at Windsor. Another factor in moving to the area is his friendship with new Haven half-back Dan Russell, who has also moved to Cumbria from Gateshead Thunder, where the duo helped Thunder win the NL2 title and promotion.

The two friends may have to go head to head in the festive derby at the Recreation Ground.

Watton will also see some familiar faces when the Fijians arrive next week with several of his former Gateshead team-mates in the touring side.

Town director, Les Smallwood, is delighted with the signing, which will fill the club’s second overseas quota place, along with Andrew Beattie.

“We were looking for a stand-off and we had a look to see what was available and Michael fit the bill perfectly,” said Smallwood.

“He will complement the back line we already have and we now possibly only need one more back to come in.

“The rest of our targets for next season will be forwards.”