Last updated at 13:06, Thursday, 24 January 2013

Coach Dave Woods may opt to put his faith in his own players for Whitehaven’s return to the Championship against York City Knights next week – rather than choose Super League talent from St Helens.

Dave Woods

The new partnership between the clubs has been hailed as a coup for Haven, with players not needed by the top-flight club on a weekly basis available to Woods, who is a pal of Saints’ chief Mike Rush.

But he is keen to give his own squad, now 24-strong with the addition of Papua New Guinea international Rodney Pora, the first chance to stake a claim for a place in the side.

“St Helens will offer players to us, and if we want to use them, we can,” said Woods, who leads his squad to France for their final pre-season game against Elite 1 champions Carcassonne tomorrow. “At this stage of the year, I might not take anyone.

“Our boys have trained really well and I would like to give them an opportunity.

“We will see how we go when we get back from France. I’ll play it by ear. If they are playing well enough I don’t need to look elsewhere. It’s up to them.”

Woods missed the 18-0 opening pre-season win over Gateshead but has reviewed the match and was delighted with the squad’s defensive effort.

First published at 12:50, Thursday, 24 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk