Whitehaven may have to do without their Papua New Guinea stars for up to a month.

Both Jessie Joe Parker and Dion Aiye were injured in the dramatic 24-22 derby win against Workington Town at Derwent Park 10 days ago.

Parker has a knee injury while Aiye suffered a problem with a bicep, which kept them out of Sunday’s 28-18 win over London Skolars at the Recreation Ground.

Coach Carl Forster said: “We don’t know exactly at the moment how bad the two injuries are, but we were initially led to believe it would be between two and four weeks.

“Obviously their absence is a blow and, with a tough few weeks coming up, we really can’t afford to be without anyone.”

Whitehaven are effectively operating with a 19-strong squad, with Scott McAvoy drafted in when needs must – and that has happened twice so far.

There were more worries for Forster during the Skolars game as Lewis Brown came off after 15 minutes and was unable to return while Dan Abram and Jordan Burns also took knocks which saw them leave the field.

Forster himself was in the wars again but he has been battling through the pain barrier most of the season, mainly with hand and shoulder problems.

Whitehaven are at home again on Sunday to Newcastle Thunder, who are still outsiders in the race for the League One play-off places.

But Thunder, who beat Hemel Stags 42-14 on Sunday, are an improved side who have just announced they have re-signed French international scrum-half Remy Marginet for 2019.

Thunder’s coach Jason Payne sees the former Catalans, Sheffield and Featherstone player as one who is capable of making a huge contribution to the club’s future.

“He is enjoying his rugby and has settled really well into both the club and the north-east and really buys into what we are trying to achieve here,” said Payne.