Whitehaven coach Carl Forster is now taking a positive view of last Sunday’s defeat by Barrow.

Although initially dismayed by the performance of his team in the 15-2 home loss, he is now more optimistic.

Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Newcastle Thunder, he said: “That is what we do. Analyse what went wrong and then look forward to putting it right the next time we go out there.

“I thought our attitude was wrong, which was disappointing after the way we had played against them two weeks earlier.

“But the slate is wiped clean and, in the long-term, it might be beneficial as long as we learn from it.

“I think the fact that we only lost 15-2 after being so poor does reflect some positives.

“I was particularly pleased with our defence, which was excellent in the first half.

“We talked immediately after the game about what went wrong and since then, we have looked at the video.

“The most important thing now is that we go out there on Sunday and put it right.”

Forster has also reiterated how highly he rates deadline signing Jordan Hand, a former team-mate at both St. Helens and Whitehaven.

“Even if we hadn’t need a front-rower, I would still have brought him into the squad just because of the quality that he brings," Forster said.

“Really, I didn’t need to think about it once I knew he was available and the board gave me the green light.

“He was a bit rusty on Sunday, which is understandable given he hasn’t played for two months, but I’m sure he won’t take long to get into the swing of things again.

“He gives us aggression in how he goes around the park and he’s going to be a big asset over the rest of the season."