Paul Crook is a definite absentee for Whitehaven when they fly out to Canada this lunchtime.

Haven’s top points-scorer has to miss out because of his duties as a school teacher.

Crook is a head of year at Hope Academy, Newton-le-Willows and has to be at his desk first thing Monday morning.

“It’s a shame because Paul has been a key player for us but the Canadian trip has come at the wrong time, just when the school is going back after the holidays,” said coach Carl Forster.

Whitehaven are also still trying to sort out visas for Steve Roper and Karl Olstrom, who so far have not been cleared.

Most clubs who have played in Canada this season have had to leave players behind because of lack of visa clearance.

“If Steve has to miss out, then we are going to have to look at the half-back pairing and it could be that Dion Aiye and James Newton will be operating there," said Forster.

“The main thing is we will be looking to keep it simple and we are going there with confidence. We are not going just to make up the numbers."

Scott McAvoy and Glenn Riley have been declared fit to travel while Danny Green has recovered from illness and will also be part of the squad.

“We have prepared like it is any other game. Obviously, the surroundings will be a bit different there. We will enjoy it, but we are out there to do a job. We are not out there to go on a couple of days’ holiday," said Forster.

“The week off has helped bodies to heal which is why we’ve been able to include Glenn, Scott and Danny."

The Whitehaven party left west Cumbria early this morning for their midday flight to Canada.

Until York, who beat the Wolfpack, and Keighley drew with them in the League One Super Eights, Whitehaven had put up the best performance against the Canadians.

Heavy conditions at the Recre helped Haven restrict Wolfpack’s attacking threat as it ended 24-10 to the Canadians.