Whitehaven are expecting to bring in two players on-loan this week ahead of the opening League One game on Sunday.

Injuries, suspensions and the non-appearance of Dion Aiye have made holes in the original 26-strong squad which looked in good shape for the new season.

But there have been bans for Elliott Miller, Karl Olstrum and Connor Holliday to deal with, as well as a number of injuries, picked up in pre-season warm-up games or training.

Dave Allen, with a chipped bone in his ankle, and Jake Moore, who suffered a hand fracture in the second game against Workington Town, are the most notable injuries.

Coach Carl Forster has been talking to players about switching to Whitehaven on-loan after only having the bare 17 for Saturday’s Challenge Cup-tie at West Hull.

General manager Amanda Hewer said: “Both players are with the same club and we are hoping to get the loan deal done during the week. Talks are ongoing.”

Forster said: “At the moment it’s been a question of saying who is fit, because they will be the ones who play.

“Obviously, that is not what we were looking at when we put together the squad before the season.

“Elliott is clear of his suspension now and will join the squad on Sunday and Karl is available for the Toronto game on March 12.

“Hopefully, the injuries will ease and, if we can see the loan deal through, that will make it much more competitive for places.”

Whitehaven make the trip to South Wales at the weekend to take-on the Ironmen, who crashed out of the Challenge Cup at the weekend, beaten 18-4 at home by Oxford.

The Welsh side play on a 4G pitch at The Wern, which will be another aspect of the game which the Haven squad will have to contend with.

The draw for the fourth round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup is being made tonight in Plymouth aboard HMS Bulwark.

To celebrate the Armed Forces ongoing involvement in the competition, Major Jack Duckitt Royal Marines (chairman Royal Marine Rugby League Association and vice-chairman Royal Navy Rugby League Association) will be drawing the home balls and former Great Britain and St Helens captain Paul Sculthorpe MBE will draw the away sides.

The draw, which sees all 12 Kingstone Press Championship sides enter, will be streamed exclusively live on the BBC Sport website from 7.00pm and the fourth round ties will be played over the weekend of March 18-19.