Last updated at 11:44, Monday, 20 August 2012

Ex-England playmaker Jamie Rooney is to play a role in targeting fresh talent to help Whitehaven compete in the Championship next term after penning a new deal for 2013.

Jamie Rooney

Rooney is the first player to commit to Haven on their return to the second tier and coach Don Gailer reckons he can utilise the experience of the stand-off, who had a stint with Barrow Raiders in the Championship, to advise on recruiting new players.

Gailer said: “He knows what’s required and will get a lot of input in to where we need to build. He will play an integral part in building for next season.

“Rooney’s impact has been huge for us. He really wanted to come here and enjoy his football, and he has given us the organisation we had sadly lacked through the year.”

Since Rooney’s arrival in May, Haven have won eight of their 11 matches, and he has a strong working relationship with Gailer. He has also scored five tries but his main impact has been as a playmaker.

The coach added. “We got on well straight away and that has been very positive.”

Now Haven have secured promotion, they will step up recruitment while also looking to re-sign those players in the current squad who they believe can make the grade.

First published at 11:31, Monday, 20 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk