By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 12:24, Tuesday, 10 November 2009

Departed star Danny Barker has been offered a route back to professional rugby league by Whitehaven boss Ged Stokes.

The back-rower rejected a chance to stay at the Recreation Ground last month and returned to the amateur ranks with his old amateur club Glasson.

But Stokes stressed that the door is still open for the 20-year-old, who he believes has the potential to make the grade at Championship level.

“I think he’s needed the time out, and whether he sees himself coming back, I don’t know. I’m leaving it up to him, but I’d love to have him back,” the coach said.

“He became disenchanted with the professional game and didn’t give himself the chance to achieve what he hoped.

“But he’s got all the physical attributes, and if he wants to develops those, the door is open.

“It’s all about what he wants. He knows where I stand. He’s a good lad and has the makings of a really good player.”

Barker has been tipped for the top since producing a superb Challenge Cup effort against Super League Warrington in May 2006, aged 17, after just one senior appearance off the bench.

He made seven senior appearances in 2008 and looked set to make further progress last term. But he featured just twice, while continuing to star for the reserve-grade.

Barker was a back-rower at Haven, though Stokes reckons he had the potential to convert to centre, and Glasson have used him as a playmaker, at stand-off, where he has flourished in recent outings.

First published at 11:35, Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk