By Alan Irving

Published at 11:11, Thursday, 26 April 2012

WHITEHAVEN have boosted their promotion bid by signing ex-Super League half-back ace Jamie Rooney.

Jamie Rooney: Ready for action agains the London Skolars

And the former Wakefield Wildcats and Barrow Raiders star, who has represented England A, is as keen to join Haven as the club are for him to add some much-needed spark to their midfield play.

Not only that but it could be the first part of a double signing coup as Haven are on the verge of bringing over another star from Papua New Guinea – this time a Test prop aimed at giving an equally timely boost to the pack power which has been sorely lacking.

But for now, Rooney has jumped at the chance of a second stint in Cumbria – he had a successful spell at Barrow last year – and it’s a big fillip for both the club and fans increasingly worried about the lack of play-making guile in the middle of the field.

It is also a chance for the 31-year-old to re-build his own career after leaving South Wales Scorpions recently.

Talking exclusively to The Whitehaven News on Tuesday, Jamie said: “I still have a lot to offer. A few off the field personal problems distracted me but now they’ve been sorted. I just want to get back and enjoy my rugby with a smile on my face.

“Whitehaven have given me a clean slate. It want to repay their faith by putting up some good performances.

The club has put a good strong squad together and hopefully I can add a bit of direction to the team and help them get promotion to the Championship.

“Barry Richardson has told me of the club’s plans and the need to get back into the Championship next year.

“I believe the squad is one of the best in the division but have probably lacked a bit in direction and organisation.”

Jamie will be happy to play in either half-back position – “wherever the coach wants me to play,” he said.

He will make his debut at home against the London Skolars on Sunday week.

Chief executive Barry Richardson and head coach Don Gailer met Rooney last Friday and convinced him that he could add real value to Haven’s promotion challenge.

Said Richardson: “Jamie is a very significant signing for us, we’ve been looking to bring in more quality at half-back having been interested in other players which didn’t come to fruition.

“Don and myself have been really impressed with what Jamie Rooney had to say. He was really keen to come to Whitehaven, he wants to help us win the league and also to play in the Championship next year.

“We are over the proverbial moon. The team itself recognise we have lacked organisation on the field and we believe Jamie is the man to provide it especially as he was able to do a fantastic job for Barrow on top of all of his Super League experience.”

Coach Gailer said: With our blend of youth and experience he’s the right man at the right time to take the organising role. Jamie’s excited about what he can contribute.”

This week’s Pride of Five lottery winners are: 3651 Mrs A Bonney, St John’s Road, Egremont; 1666 Michelle Wood, Distington Park, Distington; 1571 Mrs B Clarkson, Greenmoor Road, Egremont; 1975 Michael Nicholson, of Newtown, Frizington; 3596 Mr C Waugh, Kings Drive, Egremont.

The West Cumbria Masters Rugby League play their next game in the 2012 series of fixtures on Sunday, April 29 at Arlecdon RLFC (2pm kick-off).

It is part of the RFL League for All initiative and is open to all players 35 and over who are no longer playing competitive rugby league .

Players of all ages and abilities are welcome. For more information contact Dave Farrell on 07967123983

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