Last updated at 12:33, Wednesday, 27 February 2013

Coach Dave Woods is looking to make changes for their weekend clash with league leaders Featherstone after Whitehaven’s dismal defeat at Dewsbury on Sunday.

Dave Woods

But there will no knee jerk reactions to the 46-8 reverse, in which Haven shipped 24 points in the opening 12 minutes of the second-half.

“We can’t afford to be off our game like that,” Woods warned. “Everyone knows there’s pressure on after that, but you’ve got to think who we bring in.

“At the moment, that is the best 17 we’ve got. The other guys are working hard and will get their time, but if you make wholesale changes it could unsettle us. During the week we will see who is available, go from there and make some decisions.”

New recruit Matty Palmer, fellow forwards Stephen Fox, Bradd Crellin and Danny Barker, and full-back Shane Ackerley are yet to feature this term.

Haven also have the option to look to Super League partners St Helens.

Woods has only once turned to Saints so far this term, former international winger Ade Gardner and young forward Anthony Walker featuring in the win at Keighley, covering for winger Craig Calvert, who was unavailable, and the injured Lee Doran, respectively.

Walker scored a try while an outstanding break from Gardner produced another score. Both featured in Saturday’s 36-10 win at Bradford, Gardner touching down for his club.

But high class duo Lee Gaskell and Tommy Makinson were among those in the talent-laden squad not to feature for Saints.

First published at 11:51, Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk