Last updated at 12:28, Wednesday, 04 January 2012

Aussie star Jarrad Stack is due to jet back into the country in time for the Ike Southward Memorial derby next weekend with neighbours Whitehaven.

Jarrad Stack

But bosses are still unsure as to whether he will play in the clash on January 15 at Derwent Park.

Town chairman Dave Bowden indicated that unless Stack was 100 per cent fit he would not be risked in the pre-season friendly.

“Jarrad is due back in the country a few days before the derby,” admitted Bowden.

“But we will have to assess his fitness once he gets back and if he is not 100 per cent the coaches will not want to risk him suffering any strains or injuries.”

Stack packed down in his first ever Ike Southward game last year after he spent the festive season in England.

But this year he has returned to his native Australia for a short break.

Bowden reiterated his conviction that Town would be up and running for the all-important Championship One season that begins in March with a home tie against Oldham.

With the addition of strong running former Great Britain prop Jamie Thackray and the promise of more signings on the way, Town are starting to take shape for 2012.

“We have always said we would take our time and get fully ready for the key part of the season, which we see as the run-up of the Northern Rail Cup and then the league season,” added Bowden.

“That is what we are working on, when players become available, even after January we will hang on to try and sign the right calibre of player and be ready to kick off that league season.”

First published at 11:31, Wednesday, 04 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk