A refreshed Whitehaven side will hope an extra week’s rest has left them fit and firing on all cylinders when they take on Hemel in a huge game for their League One play-off hopes on Sunday.

Despite the news that coach Carl Forster and his assistant Tony Stewart will be leaving at the end of the season, Whitehaven are still in contention for a play-off place.

They may be outsiders for a top-five spot after the defeat by Doncaster but could get to the last game at York still in with a shout – which under the circumstances would be a remarkable achievement.

Hooker Stuart Howarth said: “I don’t think we’ve had a week off all season so it’s been a good break.

“Some lads have had family time, some have been away and it’s fresh-ened the boys up for this weekend and the coming weeks.”

It has been suggested that the play-offs could involve teams finishing third to sixth, in which case Haven’s home game with Hunslet might just hold the key to who finishes sixth and seventh.

But Haven are considerably worse off than their rivals when it comes to points differentials and must take the opportunity to score as many points as possible in matches against two of the lesser lights – at Hemel on Sunday and at home to Coventry on September 16.

Howarth added: “We’ve put ourselves in a position where it’s kind of out of our hands.

“I know there are a lot of rumours about restructuring the league and stuff but as it stands it is what it is. We’re aware of the rumours but it doesn’t really concern us and we just need to turn up for training this week and prepare for the Hemel game.”

Hemel, second bottom with just two wins to their name, were down to the bare bones for their last game when they crashed 50-0 at home to North Wales Crusaders.

Head coach Jack Howieson, 37, a former Scottish international, had to name himself on the bench because of a lack of options.

“I hope to have a few more options on Sunday against Whitehaven but the problem is some lads have been playing for weeks with niggling injuries,” Howieson said.

n Winning is still our priority says Forster – page 58