Whitehaven have faced criticism in some quarters for not shifting their kick-off time tomorrow night from 6.30pm.

For when Haven are finishing their Championship clash with Halifax, England’s opening Euro 16 clash with Russia will be starting on TV.

Critics say because there’s no overlap period between one game ending and the other starting, Whitehaven’s attendance will suffer.

But the rugby league club say they are embracing the Euro kick-off and have organised treats for the Haven fans who want to watch the England game at the ground when the Championship game finishes.

General manager Amanda Hewer said: “After the game against Halifax, the club will be putting some free food on in the JJ bar, so we can all watch the England game and make a good night of it.


Amanda Hewer “All are welcome and there will be a happy hour at the bar. What we are saying to people is come and support your local club and your national team at the same time, and have a bite to eat and a cheap drink on Whitehaven Rugby League Club.”

Halifax will be looking to move into the top four with a win at the Recreation Ground, while survival is the main concern for Haven as they try to stay ahead of Oldham and Workington Town.

On Sunday, Oldham go to Dewsbury, one of the sides on the fringe of the relegation battle, while Workington Town have a testing home game against Bradford Bulls.

Whitehaven coach James Coyle said: “We don’t want to be relying on other teams slipping up. We want to get our own points on the board. All the games are tough, offering different challenges and we have to remain focused.”

One player denied to Coyle at the moment, club captain Scott McAvoy, looks as though he will remain side-lined for some time.

Struggling with a knee injury since early in the season McAvoy is waiting to see a second specialist and there is the prospect he might need another operation.

As expected Dave Allen and James Newton have been passed fit to resume tomorrow night after they missed last week’s home game against Leigh Centurions.

Early indications were that Whitehaven would be able to use Jay Chapelhow from Widnes but he is not among three dual-registration players they are allowed this week. His more familiar brother Ted Chapelhow is joined by Ryan Ince and Ed Chamberlain.

Loanees Anthony Walker and Ugo Perez complete the quota of five imports.

Whitehaven squad: Jouffret, Walker, Aiye, Allen, Parker, Perez, Gore, Duffy, Newton, T. Coyle, Ince, Davies, Riley, Carberry, Fox, Calvert, T. Chapelhow, Holliday, Chamberlain.