James Coyle is poised to say “same again” as he prepares his Whitehaven side for Sunday’s trip to Featherstone.

Despite having several players back in contention for places, Coyle’s first instinct is to go with the players who almost pulled-off a win over Halifax last weekend.

Not helped by the second-half penalty count Whitehaven had to settle for a point after Halifax scored a try 25 seconds from the end. The conversion after the final hooter made it 12-12.

Coyle said: “I thought our intensity levels were first class and that was our best home performance of the season.

“Because of that I’m prepared to go with the same 17 even though I have other options this week-end.

“It’s the kind of dilemma you like, with choices in team selection and I know the lads will understand that.

“We want a mind-set where every player is determined to hold onto his position and give a big performance every time he pulls on a Whitehaven shirt.”

There is a slight concern over centre Connor Holliday who had to come-off during the game with Halifax.

But it is not expected to keep him out of the line-up at Post Office Road as the ex-Kells youngster has been one of the success stories of the current campaign.

Chris Taylor, James Newton, Jordan Burns, Ben Davies and Sam Brooks are all available again for selection while Jessie Joe Parker, who missed the Halifax game with an ankle problem, is rated 50-50.

“Getting people back again, so that we have more bodies at training, has been a massive boost for us. It gives everyone a lift and it certainly lifts the players.

“I could have the luxury of leaving four or five players out of the squad on Sunday and that hasn’t very often, if at all, this season,” said Coyle.