By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 13:12, Friday, 27 November 2009

New signing Mick Govin says hot competition for half-back slots at Whitehaven next season will bring the best out of him.

Mick Govin

The ex-Halifax star, Haven’s highest-profile off-season capture, is up against fellow new recruit Dylan Skee, signed by coach Ged Stokes from Harlequins, and the well-established Carl Rudd, while international amateur teenager Scott George is also in the wings.

But Govin said: “The worst thing for me is being in a comfort zone when I know I’m getting picked every week.

“It doesn’t bring the best out of me. It’s better if someone’s breathing down my neck.

“I haven’t got a best or even a favourite position. I think Ged’s looking at me at six, but I can play seven, nine or 13. I’ll play in the front-row if I have to.”

The 25-year-old produced a stormer in last month’s Championship Grand Final defeat by Barrow.

And he was surprised to be released two days later by Fax, who had signed ex-Australian Schoolboy international Luke Branighan in his position.

“Hopefully I can repay Whitehaven next season,” he said. “They have had a lot of success in NL1 over the last few years, always in the top six. I had options on the table and Whitehaven seemed the best.”

Govin was understandably devastated over losing the big final to Barrow.

“It’s always tough to lose, but to lose a Grand Final is worse,” he said. “If we’d been a bit more clinical we would have won it. Every game you lose you look back with regret.

“Because of the battles we’d had with Barrow, it was natural that we wanted to get one over on them. Hopefully I can go back with a different team and do the job properly.”

The half-back featured just 15 times in his opening two seasons at Halifax, as he underwent three shoulder reconstructions.

But he escaped any major knocks last term, and he said: “The shoulder’s bang on. I didn’t have any trouble with my shoulder all of last year, and it’s feeling as strong as ever.

“I’m superstitious, but, touch wood, that’s behind me. I had a good season last year and finished it well.

“I haven’t really had a pre-season for four years, and I will get one under my belt and kick on with the season.”

First published at 11:21, Friday, 27 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk