By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 09:58, Saturday, 28 November 2009

Danny Barker has signed a new two-year deal with Whitehaven after re-discovering his love for the game in the amateur ranks.

Danny Barker signs for Whitehaven

It had been feared the back-rower might be lost to the pro game after returning to his amateur club Glasson at the end of last season. But the youngster declared he was “chuffed to bits” after penning his fresh deal yesterday.

“I just needed to get the hunger and desire back,” explained Barker, who turns 21 on Tuesday. “I started enjoying my rugby again at Glasson and I have a lot of respect for coach Steve Maguire.

“When Gary (Hewer) then phoned me about talks, I was more than happy. Hopefully I can grab my opportunity with both hands and cement a first-team place over the next two years.”

Barker was a member of Haven’s scholarship scheme at 13 and the club were keen to retain him.

He failed to secure a regular first-team place last term amid stiff competition, but head of performance Gary Hewer reckons he now has every chance of breaking through.

“Danny had wanted some time away from the professional game at the end of his contract and we agreed to that,” Hewer said.

“He hadn’t lost his ambition but just wanted to regain his enthusiasm, and we thank Glasson and the Cumberland League for their help in that.

“We have invested eight years in him, and to let him go now, when he is going to hit his peak, would be ridiculous.

“He now needs to focus and we want him to push through. These are his two years, if he wants them.”

Haven launch pre-season training at Drigg beach tomorrow, with coach Ged Stokes looking for a big turnout.

He said: “If you don’t do the pre-season, you won’t be considered for the team. It’s as simple as that.

“We had a few players, not through their own fault, set back last season, and we have tried hard this year to make sure all our injury problems are cleared up.

“A whole bunch of lads will be pushing for spots. If younger lads who put in a full pre-season didn’t get in, while lads who hadn’t put in the work did get in the team, it would tend to upset the apple cart a little. If players are fit, they are fighting for positions, if not, they won’t be selected.”

Scott McAvoy is exempt from the first session. He has a groin problem and is a couple of weeks away from a return.

First published at 08:56, Saturday, 28 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk