Last updated at 12:28, Thursday, 07 February 2013

Skipper Lee Doran is unlikely to be risked for Whitehaven’s first away game in the Championship at Keighley Cougars on Sunday (3pm).

Lee Doran

The big back-rower lasted just six minutes of last weekend’s winning return to the second tier against visitors York City Knights after picking up a knock.

He was unable to train on Tuesday night, though his condition is improving, and coach Dave Woods does not want to take any unnecessary risks, as Haven entertain Leigh on Thursday next week, live on Premier Sports.

“He felt a lot better on Tuesday than the day before, but I doubt we will use him in Sunday as he won’t be 100 per cent. I don’t think it’s advisable at this stage,” coach Dave Woods said.

“I’d rather him be fit and healthy for the Leigh game, than rush him and put him back even further.”

The team at Keighley will include at least one other change as winger Craig Calvert, who completed a fine individual effort with a try against York, is unavailable.

French international prop Seb Martins debuted off the bench in the 32-22 win against the Knights. And Woods believes there is plenty more to come from the former Catalan Dragon.

“He was very, very good at training on Tuesday night, which was great,” the coach added. “I think he was a bit nervous on Sunday, but he has the ability, there’s no doubt about that. The conditions were a shock to him. It was very heavy and cold, and he’s not used to any of that. He’s only had three sessions with the boys and can only get better.”

Martins had not played RL this season before his move to the Recre. Last term he helped Lezignan to a play-off semi-final place in the French top-flight before accepting an offer to play RU.

Haven and Workington Town will be toasting new Championship sponsors after Kingstone Press Cider agreed to back the game’s second and third tiers for the next two seasons.

The partnership will see the popular cider brand gain exposure via in-stadia perimeter and programme advertising, a television broadcast presence on Premier Sports and a high profile on the Kingstone Press Championships website.

First published at 12:27, Thursday, 07 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk