By Martin Morgan

Published at 11:10, Thursday, 22 March 2012

WHITEHAVEN have reiterated their support for the planned new Pow Beck stadium ahead of an announcement today (Thursday) of the two matches it will host in next year’s Rugby League World Cup.

backing haven: Paul Goodwin, Haven lottery manager, left, with representatives of businesses taking part in the new Gold Card discount scheme

Despite official caution, it is understood an agreement between stadium partners and Whitehaven Miners Social Welfare, who own the access road to the stadium, has been struck. And the deal is expected to be signed shortly.

“The stadium is a massive opportunity for Copel-and – not only rugby and football but also the wider community,” said Barry Richardson, Haven chief executive.

“It has proved its worth already, with the allocation of two World Cup games. Without the stadium, that would not have happened. It has shown what can be achieved even before it has been built.

“We all love the Recreation Ground, and it will still be here for training and non first-team games.

“But the club needs a strong future, and we would have to spend a lot of money to sustain it to play at a higher level than Championship One.”

Meanwhile, coach Don Gailer is set to opt for continuity when Haven host Hunslet Warriors in the Challenge Cup third round on Sunday (3pm).

Gailer has now looked at all 29 members of his big squad in the six league and cup matches to date, often making a string of changes for each outing.

He made five changes for last week’s first league win over Rochdale, with prop Howard Hill the final member of his squad to feature. And he is now looking to select a settled side.

“There’s a pretty strong case for keeping the same team for a couple of weeks, to get some continuity and let everything fall in to place,” Gailer said.

“Then if someone doesn’t perform or is injured, other guys are ready to jump in.”

And after the win over the Hornets, Gailer hailed the atmosphere at training on Monday.

“They were in good spirits,” he said. “They don’t suddenly all think they are world-beaters, but there was a spring in their step and it was good to see.”

Sunday’s prices are £10 for adults, £5 concessions and £3 for under-16s. Junior season tickets can be used for this round of the tournament, but other season tickets are not applicable.

It pays to be a Haven fan these days after the RL club linked up with local businesses to produce a new shopping discount scheme.

Haven Gold Club members will now receive discounts in a string of Whitehaven businesses on production of their membership cards.

To qualify for the Gold Club, fans must be members of the Pride of Five and 200 Clubs, the Leeds Rhinos lottery, and be season ticket holders at the Recre.

“We are trying to reward people for their loyalty to the club,” said Paul Goodwin, Haven lottery mana-ger. “It also helps to get bus-inesses behind the club.”

Those taking part are: Jinks Tattoo Parlour, Market Place – 10% discount; Casa Romana, Queen Street – free garlic pizza when ordering a main meal; IMO Car and Valet Centre, Preston Street – 5% off car valets; Absolute Beauty, Duke Street – 10% discount; Sunny Hill – all Gold club members will be issued with a loyalty card allowing them to collect points on each purchase of drinks or food; Brooks – an extra year’s warranty on top of the manufacturer’s normal 12 months, when buying an appliance.

This week’s Pride of Five £100 winners are: DM Walker, Victoria Road, Sunny Hill, with ticket number 40; C Barnes, Swallow Hill, Distington, 625; S Murray, The Waverley Hotel, Whitehaven, 481; S Handisides, Calder Avenue, Whitehaven, 1,059; Robinson, Trumpet Road, Cleator Moor, 660.

Leeds Line winners: M Watts, P1514; S Coates, B6250; RM McDonagh, B3231; L Barrott, A3212; J Pickard, C3672.

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