Last updated at 13:32, Thursday, 03 May 2012

CARL Rudd has extended a warm welcome to fellow playmaker Jamie Rooney – and tipped the ex-England and Wakefield ace to make a big impact at the Recreation Ground.

Jamie Rooney: Ready for action agains the London Skolars

Rooney is set to debut in the halves against visitors London Skolars on Sunday (2pm), a few weeks after leaving South Wales, with Rudd possibly switching to loose-forward.

“He’s won a Grand Final with Barrow and brings some experience at this level and above,” Rudd said. “We’ve probably lacked some guidance from half-back and he will bring that.

“Any player of the calibre to play at the level he has played, will do us good. We welcome any player like that.

“Look what Paul Cooke has done for Doncaster at this level. Jamie is probably just as good.

“He’s had a few problems, but if he gets back to the level he can play at, he’ll be brilliant for us.”

Rudd reckons Rooney will not be under the spotlight as much as at South Wales, where he was their big marquee signing. And Haven’s senior players such as Lee Doran will help him deal with any pressure.

With Bradd Crellin suspended, Rudd is happy to step in to the No 13 shirt, if asked by coach Don Gailer, who early this week was mulling over the option.

“I enjoy it most at loose-forward as it gives me free rein, and there’s no pressure on me,” said Rudd. “I can just look after myself. I’m happy to play wherever Don wants me to play.”

Rudd missed Haven’s 34-0 whitewash of South Wales in Neath, two weeks ago, after he damaged his knee against Salford in the Challenge Cup.

It was a recurrence of an old injury which has troubled him intermittently for years. The knee swelled but he is on course to be available this weekend.

“It’s nothing serious,” he said. “I listened to the South Wales game on radio and I was pleased most of all about nilling them. I can’t remember the last time we did that.

“Looking at London’s results, this is going to be one of our hardest games so far. They took Halifax all the way and it will be really difficult.

“Dylan Skee is coming back to the club and we all know what Ade Adebisi is capable of. Every game now is going to be a cup final and we have to win every single one.”

Scrum-half Ben Karalius is set to retain his place, so Haven could boast three playmakers against Skolars.

“It will give them three ball-handlers to watch,” Gailer said. “The three of them could create their own level of havoc. It’s only a matter of getting their calls right.

“I might play Ruddy at loose-forward, as he’s got everything it takes to be a good one. He would probably give us a new dimension.

“He could play on the edge of the ruck and is a great ball-handler.”

Rudd is second on Haven’s all-time goal-kicking charts behind the great John McKeown and will retain his kicking role, despite the addition of Rooney, who has fitted in well at training.

“The main thing when you come to a club is that you are quickly accepted by the boys, and that has happened with Jamie,” added Gailer.

“He keeps himself in good shape and knows what it takes to be right for a game. I expect he will be fine come Sunday.

“Young Ben played very well in our last game against South Wales, and you could see his confidence grow. He needs to use that as a base to step forward now. He’s still a young footballer who at this level will make mistakes.

“But when we didn’t have Carl Rudd last week, he put his hand up and good on him. He earned another week out there on the field.”

Chairman Ralph Calvin added: “There were signs against South Wales that we have turned the corner. Jamie Rooney is a classy player and we’re looking forward to his debut. Hopefully he will be the key to our organisational side.

“We’ve spent more on players this year to improve the squad, but it has to be said we’ve been a bit disappointed with spectator numbers. We appeal for supporters to get behind us.”

Pride of Five £100 winners are: Mrs Brown, Bransty, with ticket number 3,219; Mrs Hoddow, Dorset, 3,912; J Nicholson, High Harrington, 1,605; G Jafray, Victoria Road, Whitehaven, 1,137; R Hartley, Kells, 1,867.

Blue Club: £250 - L Grundhill, £100 - L Dryden, £50 each - I Stephenson, J Smith, M Surtees/Quinn.

Leeds Line: Christian Young - P3001, John Hargreaves - L5134, D Hutchinson - N1120, P Tosney - R2141, K Dennis - L5821.

First published at 11:11, Thursday, 03 May 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk