By Martin Morgam

Last updated at 17:22, Saturday, 10 January 2009

Scott Kaighan faces a baptism of fire for Workington Town in the west Cumbrian derby at Whitehaven after joining on loan from Barrow Raiders.

Scott Kaighan

The youngster, who in the past had a spell in Australia, training with NRL giants Parramatta, after joining the Raiders, has moved to Derwent Park on a one-month deal.

And with big new Aussie half-back signing Michael Watton sidelined by visa problems, Town boss Dave Rotheram hopes Kaighan, who only turned 20 in November, will provide valuable support at half-back and hooker.

“We badly needed reinforcements at half-back,” said Rotheram.

“He’s well-skilled and has experience in our division, and he’ll get four games in with us.

“He will probably start on the bench tomorrow but will feature prominently throughout the game.”

Town forward Kris Coward will make a surprise start against his hometown club at the Recreation Ground.

And the ex-Hensingham ace warned that after two postponements over the festive holiday, due to the big freeze, Town cannot wait to get fired in to action.

“We’ve been hanging on for two weeks, so we’re all raring to go,” said Coward, who featured only twice for Town last term, off the bench, in part due to injury.

“Whitehaven have some big lads and it should be a spicy match.

“I’ll be playing against some mates, and a few who played for Workington.

“This is the last year of my contract and I want to give it a good go this season.”

Rotheram explained that he had called up Coward as a reward for his outstanding pre-season effort.

“He’s trained really hard and got in good shape for what’s a make or break year for him,” he said.

“He’s big fast and skilful, and this is a great opportunity to show it.

“Kris is playing his hometown team and certainly wants to get one over on his mates.”

Town: Frazer, Dawes, Mossop, Coupar, Marshall, Duffy, Roper, D Burgess, S Burgess, Benjafield, Hodgson, Coward, Robinson.

Subs (from): Scott, Brindle, Hobson, Dobson, Blacklock, Kaufman, Kaighan

First published at 09:04, Saturday, 10 January 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk