Whitehaven half-back Paul Crook has been charged with a contact offence against match referee Liam Moore during Sunday’s game at the Recreation Ground.

The incident happened six minutes from the end of the game with Toronto Wolfpack which the Canadians won 24-10.

Whitehaven’s general manager Amanda Hewer said: “It’s at the lowest end of the scale, a Grade A offence and when we have looked back at the incident, it does seem to be a complete accident.

“Paul has an early guilty plea available which will be submitted for the disciplinary meeting next week and we hope that it will be dealt with leniently.

“Paul is certainly OK to play against Oxford on Sunday and, if there is any suspension, it will be the following week’s game at Hunslet.”

Whitehaven had previously lost full-back Elliott Miller for three matches after he came into contact with the referee in the friendly game at Keighley.

Loose forward Karl Olstrum had picked up a six-match ban while with Workington Town, the bulk of which was carried over to this season.

Whitehaven are keeping a close eye on the weather ahead of the fourth-round tie with Oxford and last night the Recreation Ground pitch was said to be very heavy.

“Oxford aren’t leaving until 4am on Sunday, so we can keep an eye on things through Saturday," said Hewer.

"If we need to inspect, referee Gareth Hewer or one of the locally-based match commissioners will take a look so that we can keep Oxford informed."

Haven ploughed through the mud last week against Toronto and were going as strong as the full-timers in the final quarter. They actually drew the second half 10-10.

Coach Carl Forster said: “It’s going to be similar tomorrow and it is going to be another forward battle.

"But we’ve done it before and I will be looking for another big effort from the lads against a side who look as though they will be well-served in the pack."