By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 11:49, Friday, 20 November 2009

Whitehaven pulled off a major pre-season coup yesterday, recruiting former Halifax playmaker Mick Govin on a one-year deal.

Ged Stokes

Govin scored a scintillating try in last month’s Championship Grand Final defeat against Barrow and was named Fax’s man-of-the-match by the Rugby League Express.

But he was later released after the ambitious Yorkshire outfit signed former Australian Schoolboy international Luke Branighan.

And that enabled Haven boss Ged Stokes, who had already been tracking the 25-year-old, to make his move.

“He can be very, very good for us,” said Stokes.

“He’s very tough and really fits the type of player we want.

“I heard a while ago he was not in Halifax’s plans and gave him a bell, just for a general chat, to see how he felt.

“It grew from that.”

Leigh-based Govin is Haven’s second new half-back recruit, following Harlequins’ Aussie Dylan Skee to the Recre.

“After Gregg McNally left us we were left with only one specialist half-back.

“I was determined we went in to the season with at least three, and we’ve now achieved that, with Carl Rudd, Dylan Skee and Mick Govin,” Stokes continued.

“It adds to competition, and everyone needs to know that if they are not up to it, someone else is there to push for the place.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure we are covered in all positions.”

Stokes would happily have signed Govin on a two-year deal but the player preferred a one-season contract.

“I didn’t mind that at all,” the coach added. “He’s got to see how things work out in terms of travel.

“If things work out well we will obviously be looking to increase that as soon as possible.”

In addition to both half-back roles, the versatile Govin is comfortable at hooker and loose-forward.

First published at 11:22, Friday, 20 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk