Published at 10:55, Saturday, 22 December 2012

INTERNATIONAL star Jessie Joe Parker has ensured Whitehaven get the new year off to a flying start after confirming he will touch down at the club on January 10.

Jessie Joe Parker

The centre will spend Christmas at home in Papua New Guinea before returning to the Recre three days ahead of Haven’s opening friendly against visitors Gateshead Thunder.

“Jessie has been in touch on a weekly basis and he’s really looking forward to coming back,” chief executive Barry Richardson said.

“He keeps himself fit, and all being well he will be available for the Gateshead game. At Whitehaven last season he was in the gym every day, in addition to his regular training.

“In the latter part of last season we saw how good he really was, and he’s more than capable of performing to a high standard in the Championship. We were delighted with how he progressed.

“He is experienced at international level and that will be really valuable to the team at the higher level.”

Parker scored eight tries in the last 12 games of the 2012 campaign, to help ensure the club earned promotion to the second tier.

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