Last updated at 12:03, Monday, 10 September 2012

Whitehaven's international centre Jessie Joe Parker WILL be available to face Workington Town in next weekend’s sudden death derby – after causing Rochdale double trouble yesterday.

Internet rumours that the Hornets clash would be his last of the season before heading home to Papua New Guinea were quashed by coach Dave Smith after two-try Parker was named man of the match in Whitehaven’s comfortable 40-12 play-off win.

Parker earned mixed reviews from fans in his early appearances after flying from PNG mid-season to join Haven.

But in recent weeks he has produced outstanding form, culminating in a place in the Championship One team of the month for August.

“He will be here for as long as we are in the play-offs,” Smith said. “Coming to a new country was always going to be difficult for the guy but he has settled and is improving week by week.

“With his attitude and professionalism in training I have nothing but praise for him. “

Haven face an anxious wait to discover if top try scorer Craig Calvert is available for Sunday’s clash after damaging his ankle. The winger had to be replaced after a 49th-minute tackle left him in pain.

Smith added: “We copped a few injuries but the spirit in the team was there for everyone to see. If our attitude is right we can give anyone a game.”

Haven led 20-0 at the break but Smith felt there was still room for improvement.

He said: “We definitely weren’t pleased with our first-half completion rate. Going in 20-0 up after completing at only 60 per cent was credit to us but we knew we could improve.

“The biggest concern for our half-time team talk was that a bit of complacency might set in and we needed to start the second-half well.

“We didn’t do that and conceded after a couple of minutes, but the lads stuck to it well.”

First published at 11:30, Monday, 10 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk