Whitehaven coach Carl Forster has watched a re-run of the Halifax game against Oldham with his players, as he plots a Challenge Cup shock on Sunday.

The weekend visitors to the Recreation Ground squeezed through 16-14 to stay in the top-four in the Championship.

“We know they are a good team because you don’t get that high in the table if you are not. And watching the video underlined that fact,” said Forster.

“They play a lot of stuff off the cuff. That’s something that we are aware of and will be trying to counter.

“We are starting to show what we are capable of as well, and the derby win [against Workington] has given all the lads a boost in confidence.

“It has the makings of being a very good and entertaining game, and we would all love to spring a shock and get through to the sixth round and a possible tie against a big Super League side."

One or two of the Whitehaven players will be receiving treatment from the physio in the build-up to the cup tie as a result of knocks picked up in the derby game.

“I’m hoping they are going to be fine to resume on Sunday and I don’t expect there will be many changes to the squad if they are fit to play,” added Forster.

Still missing will be second-rower Dave Allen who has been struggling with the after effects of a chipped bone in his ankle.

“He went for a scan last week but the results haven’t come back. They are taking longer than normal for some reason,” said the coach.

Meanwhile, in Papua New Guinea, Dion Aiye has moved closer to a return to west Cumbria.

He has had his interview with the visa department and will be undergoing a medical, hoping for the visa to follow soon afterwards, so that he can return to Haven.