Page 43 - Rugby League World (February 2020)

PREVIEW

WHITEHAVEN

RLW PREDICTS: 13th

Whitehaven were not among most pundits’ Walker, and evergreen front rower Jamie
front runners for the Betfred League 1 title Thackray.
last year, but just three defeats in their Experienced outside back Brett Carter has
20 matches saw Gary Charlton’s team also made the switch from the Raiders and
promoted as champions. has plenty of Championship know-how.
It marked a triumphant return to coaching But it will be a big step up for the majority of
for Charlton after an extended spell out of Charlton’s squad, and they will again have to
the professional game following his time in look to that team spirit and never-say-die
charge of neighbours Workington. attitude if they are to defy the odds and
His Haven team was forged in his long- avoid the drop.
standing reputation of local pride, hard graft Charlton is keen to make the Recreation
and teamwork, and served them perfectly Ground the kind of fortress it was when
throughout a memorable campaign. Haven were reaching Grand Finals at this
It also led to a clean sweep of the level, and that will also be integral to their
competition’s awards - Charlton was prospects.
crowned Coach of the Year, Dion Aiye Player So too will a good start, with the likes
and Andrew Bulman Young Player. of Rochdale in 2018 and York last year
Aiye displayed a consistent ability to showing how the element of surprise in the
influence matches off the bench, while the early weekends can lay the platform for
makeshift half-back partnership of fullback successful seasons.
Sam Forrester and hooker Callum Phillips Brett Phillips and Jesse Joe Parker will
had a big campaign. provide Haven with firepower that will
Charlton was hoping that Forrester would concern any defence on the fringes, and
be able to return to his natural position in recent returnee Karl Olstrom will add steel
2020 but missing out on another Papua to the pack.
New Guinean halfback has left Haven But Haven know they will be many people’s
stretched again in that position. favourites for an immediate return to
That could be decisive, although they have the third tier, although that underdog
strengthened significantly up front with the status could work in their favour under the
signing of Barrow duo Glenn Riley and Tom tenacious Charlton. 2020 SQUAD:
1 Sam Forrerster
STAR PLAYER COACH 2 Dave Thompson

3 Chris Taylor
4 Jessie Joe Parker
5 Andrew Bulman
6 Karl Dixon
8 Marc Shackley
9 Callum Phillips
10 Kris Coward
11 Brett Phillips
12 Jake Moore
13 Dion Aiye
Gary Charlton was the only name on 14 Sam Dowsett
Dion Aiye may have won the League 1 Whitehaven’s wish list when they sought 15 Connor Holliday
Player of the Year award last season but to replace Carl Forster at the end of the 16 Tom Wilkinson
Callum Phillips has arguably the bigger role 2018 season. 17 Tom Walker
to play in 2020. That despite the fact he had an extended
The half-back or hooker’s versatility has spell out of the professional game 18 James Newton
already been invaluable to Haven since his following his departure from Workington in 19 Ellis Gillam
switch from Workington Town and is again early 2014. 20 Jake Bradley
likely to be utilised this year. But Haven saw everything they wanted in 21 Glenn Riley
Phillips’ will to win and sharp play in the Charlton - one of the few men to play for 22 Brett Carter
middle of the field will be central to his all four professional Cumbrian clubs when
team’s hopes of survival, in whichever Carlisle were still in the league. 23 Jason Mossop
position he plays. A man who believed in primarily local 24 Ethan Kelly
And his experience with the Scottish players playing with pride and passion for 25 Jamie Thackray
national team is also likely to be called on the club - traits that shone through last 28 Karl Olstrom
as the club steps up a league. year and that they will need again in 2020.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE TOTALRL.COM/SHOP ISSUE #466 RugbyLeague PAGE 43
WORLD