Last updated at 11:53, Saturday, 16 February 2013

International prop Rodney Pora is due to touch down in Whitehaven within three weeks after warming up with a big clash against Aussie giants South Sydney in Australia.

Rodney Pora

Pora featured for Papua New Guinea in a 38-12 defeat to the Rabbitohs last weekend and this week set in motion his visa application, which is now expected to proceed swiftly.

Haven chief executive Barry Richardson said: “He couldn’t submit the application earlier because he first needed a visa to play for Papua New Guinea in Australia. Now he has completed those commitments, we can confirm his visa application has been submitted and it will take two to three weeks. He will then be here. All the paperwork at this end is sorted. Rodney has been on the phone every day and he is definitely keen.”

If he arrives in three weeks he may come in to consideration for a debut in the Cumbrian derby at Barrow on March 17.

Meanwhile, Richardson has thanked fans for their patience after Thursday night’s televised clash with Leigh was delayed 45 minutes due to a partial floodlight failure. It was caused by an electrical problem at a sub station outside the Recre, and it was the third time in recent seasons that lights have gone out ahead of or during a Haven night match.

“The fans were really supportive and we appreciated that. Our floodlights are on twice a week for training and there has never been a problem,” said Richardson, who revealed the club now hopes action will be taken to prevent a repeat.

“The response time was good from the electricity service provider, and we have asked for an upgrade to the station.”

First published at 10:41, Saturday, 16 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk