Jessie Joe Parker has obtained his visa enabling him to fly back for the start of the League One season with Whitehaven.

Parker, who had been waiting in Brisbane for his clearance, will fly to the UK from Australia tomorrow.

His Papua New Guinea team-mate Dion Aiye arrived in Whitehaven last week and attended the club’s seasonal launch night on Friday.

Whitehaven chairman Tommy Todd said: “I think Dion was a bit tired but, other than that, seemed fine.

“He was hospitalised in Brisbane with pneumonia a fortnight ago, so we will have to monitor his fitness at training on Wednesday night.

“Jessie will be here for Friday’s training session, so we will see what his fitness levels are having missed pre-season with us.

“Naturally, we are delighted to have them both back in Whitehaven for the start of the season.”

That League One campaign opens on Sunday with a visit from Oldham Roughyeds, looking to bounce back quickly after last season’s relegation from the Championship.

Whitehaven player-coach Carl Forster had intimated that he would be planning for the Oldham game without Aiye and Parker.

Both are expected to be key players for the Recreation Ground club as they look to improve on last season’s efforts.

Haven finished second in the regular league season and went on to lose narrowly to Barrow in the promotion play-off final.