Published at 11:08, Thursday, 10 May 2012

THERE’S no substitute for experience or class. At the ripe old age of 31, Jamie Rooney still reeks class as well as being a consummate reader of a game.

On a classy debut for Whitehaven the ex-Super League and England stand off proved he still fits the bill on both counts.

Haven’s latest recruit certainly made a difference in Sunday’s 36-28 victory over London Skolars.

Jamie should get even better once the rust rubs off but his was an immediate impact, scoring two excellent tries as well as stamping more individual authority on the team than we’ve seen for some time.

Rooney was recruited to add organisation and direction to an oft-rudderless Haven, but his scoring opportunism proved an added bonus in his very first outing.

And like all good players, Jamie has time on the ball.

His influence was such that Haven were a lot more fluid in attack.

Switched to loose forward to make way for Rooney in the No.6 jersey, Carl Rudd in particular reaped benefits.

Carl was able to roam wider and get the back line moving to greater effect. The whole side seemed galvanised – and together.

So much so that lightning Loz (Hamzat) was able to show some incisive touches on the right wing, scoring one try himself and putting Rooney in for his first.

Young Ben Karalius struck up a nice half-back understanding with Rooney and in the games ahead we hope to see the form that made Jessie Joe Parker a Test regular in the centre for Papua New Guinea.

I’ve been critical of the club’s decision to let fullback starlet Shane Ackerley go to Gateshead on loan, not to mention Craig Benson’s return to Kells, but Kiwi Andreas Bauer’sE turn was impressive in the No.1 shirt. They were put on the front foot by a pack led powerfully by Lee Doran. For the first time since the win over Rochdale in mid March, I can see the makings of a team capable of getting into the promotion mix. So hopefully Doran & Co will keep it going in Wales this weekend, though they can expect the Crusaders to make it tough.

Pity about the attendance on Sunday – only 627 paying souls. Mind you there were plenty of premiership soccer counter attractions.

And with Town drawing even fewer, just 467 to Derwent Park for the visit of Gateshead Thunder you wonder just what Red Hall might be thinking at a time when Allerdale sets out its stall to host those two “lost” World Cup games?

However RL chief executive Nigel Wood does say: “We feel a responsibility to the rugby league community in that part of the world (West Cumbria), and want to give them every opportunity to enjoy the World Cup. But having said that the matches won’t necessarily be taken to stadia in the north west and Scotland is one of the options. For that to happen we need to find partners in that region who are willing to show that tournament the level of commitment it deserves.”

Meanwhile Jamie Rooney’s Haven masterclass, coupled with legend Billy Garratt’s forthcoming induction into the club’s Hall of Fame, has sparked some discussion over the best player ever to wear Whitehaven’s No.6 shirt.

Garratt’s induction is long overdue.

One of the most gifted backs to wear the chocolate blue and gold, either in the centre or stand off, Billy played a pivotal role skippering Whitehaven on their epic 1957 Challenge Cup run to the semi finals as well as filling one of the centre berths in the unforgettable victory over Australia at The Recre the season before.

The book, 100 Cumberland RL Greats, got it wrong – Billy did not captain the team against the Aussies – Syd Lowdon was skipper and starred on the wing.

Garratt was unfortunate not to be named stand off in the mythical Whitehaven Immortals, the 13 best players in their respective positions. I was one of three ‘independent’ judges who gave the fantasy team spot to Phil Kitchin. It was probably Phil’s Test selection for Great Britain that tipped the vote in his favour. Billy Garratt, however, got in as one of the back division subs along with Dave Watson.

And while taking nothing away for fellow Kiwi Leroy Joe, Watson was simply a treat to watch, a genius on his day.

For now, it’s over to you Jamie Rooney. You won’t need any tips from Phil or Billy!

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk