WHITEHAVEN Rugby League has confirmed that former captain James Newton is ending his playing career and will join the coaching staff.
Newton suffered a neck injury in the final game of the 2024 campaign in a 23-20 win over the Halifax Panthers.
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Since then, he has worked hard in rehabilitation to try to get on the field.
But after visits to two specialists, he has now had to end his playing career, having made 238 of his 268 career appearances for Whitehaven.
Newton, 33, has now joined the club’s coaching staff alongside head coach Anthony Murray.
“His experience will be invaluable”
Murray said: “It’s never easy to see a player have to retire due to injury, especially someone who has given so much to our club over the years.
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“He has been a fantastic servant on and off the field, and his professionalism, attitude and commitment have always set the standard for others to follow.
“Although his playing career ended sooner than any of us would have liked, we are incredibly fortunate that he is still a part of our team as our new strength and conditioning coach.
“His experience, knowledge and understanding of what it takes to perform at this level will be invaluable. He will play a major role in developing our young players and supporting the coaching staff as a whole.
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“We are delighted that he will remain with the club, and I am confident that he will be a great asset in this next chapter of his career.”
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Newton first joined the club ahead of the 2013 season after serving as academy captain at Hull FC. 139 appearances came in his first spell, ending with defeat in the League One final against Barrow Raiders in October 2017. In his first five seasons, ‘Newts’ scored 26 tries and a goal before leaving for a solitary season at Workington Town.
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Returning ahead of the 2019 season, he became an integral part of the team again, making 18 appearances as Haven won the League One title under Gary Charlton and making 20 appearances in the 2021 season where the team secured the Championship rugby play-offs.
His second spell saw Newton make 99 appearances, scoring eight tries and four goals, leaving an overall total of 238 appearances for the club, scoring 34 tries and five goals for a total of 146 points.
CEO Lee Butterworth added: “I am gutted that James has had to end his rugby career not on his own terms, but he is already showing a great attitude towards the coach and seems to be thriving in his new role.
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“It’s good to still have his positive impact at the club”
