THE news that Aaron Lester has decided to hang up his boots in his testimonial will overshadow Whitehaven’s bread-and-butter home game against Sheffield Eagles on Sunday.

But it is appropriate that one of Haven’s greatest players should choose to make the announcement now — so it doesn’t detract from the build up to the Northern Rail Cup final, one of the most significant games in the club’s history.

Eyebrows have been raised following the respected Kiwi’s omission from the last two matches. Was he injured or just dropped, or had he fallen out with the coach?

On the latter score, nothing could be further from the truth but Aaron has had a succession of knocks which has understandably affected his form. Lately, the skipper has been looking a shadow of his old self and that’s why I applaud his decision to retire now rather than allow speculation of the wrong kind to fester. Especially if he feels he can no longer give of his best at the ripe old age of 34!

Aaron Lester is the best player I’ve seen in the No.9 jersey at Whitehaven — and I have seen a lot. I was one of those to pick The Immortals, the best 13 players to wear the chocolate blue and gold in their respective positions. Lester was virtually an automatic choice for the hooking spot.

When you talk about players putting their bodies on the line, this courageous New Zealander is the perfect example, someone who was surely good enough to play for New Zealand and certainly make his mark at the top of Super League but instead he chose to throw in his lot with Whitehaven and make his home here.

Lester has worn the chocolate blue and gold with pride, honour and dignity — and that’s the way he deserves to bow out.

If I had my way, the warrior from Auckland would hang up his boots in a blaze of glory.

I’d retain him as non-playing club captain for the time being, make him champion of Haven’s build up to the Northern Rail Cup final on Sunday week at Blackpool, not only that but to have the honour of leading the team on to the field.

Of course, this is not the Aaron Lester way, he doesn’t care for the limelight but, by the same token, his presence has always been important and sometimes inspiring to his team mates both on and off the field.

They, along with the directors and the coaching staff, should do their best, as I am sure they will, to get their captain involved not only in the lead up to the Blackpool final but also this Sunday’s home league match in some way.

Lester has been Whitehaven RLFC’s talisman. He deserves a medal of honour and certainly a farewell appearance of some sort would be fitting — supporters will want to pay homage and fitting tribute.

As far as the players are concerned, there should only be one thing on their minds: and that’s not the Cup final. Perhaps easier said than done, but the team really must concentrate from the word go on Sunday put in a first-class performance that shows the Eagles no mercy.

“They will be playing for their places in the final” — that’s the uncompromising message from coach Dave Rotheram.

It’s good that David Seeds is back. Likewise the indomitable David Fatialofa, one of the three Kiwi musketeers. Along with Lester and Leroy Joe, Fats found his way to The Recre 10 years ago and like his compatriots has been granted a well-earned testimonial.

Some of the doom and gloom merchants were at it following the 44-12 reversal at Castleford but by all accounts the scoreline wasn’t a true reflection of the proceedings. At least one or two of those fans who were there are prepared to put money on Haven winning the televised return at The Recre in August.

One critic, believe it or not, told Radio Cumbria: “We don’t have a scrum half or a defence.”

True, the defence has been vulnerable at times but as for the scrum half, many rate John Duffy the best all-round No.7 in the division on current form. I’m inclined to agree just at the moment. Even though I did suggest to Martin Morgan a couple of months ago when Castleford were running hot that I’d swap two or three Whitehaven players for Danny Brough, the lightning-quick scrum-half Hull let go. Well, Martin informs me that Duffy, in a beaten side, outshone Brough at The Jungle! Duffy vs Joel Penny in the Cup final will be interesting but all that matters now is that Haven keep their eye on the ball for this weekend — and don’t forget the value of Aaron Lester.