Kingstone Press Championship Preview: Whitehaven v Halifax

Whitehaven’s preparations have been disrupted by the departure of their coach Steve Deakin with Brett Seymour and James Coyle stepping in.

Chief Executive Barrie Richardson said: “They were both assistant coaches to Deaks and I’ve been really impressed with the way everyone has pulled together. They have really put their hands up and want to get things right for the weekend.

“We’ve managed to sign Paul Johnson a prop forward and Grant Gore a scrum-half or hooker on a month’s loan from Widnes and they will be available for selection.”

Halifax coach Richard Marshall said: “It’s never easy going up to Whitehaven. Being our first competitive hit out, it’s going to be a tough ask up there. But it’s something we’ve prepared for and we’re looking forward to it.”

Tommy Saxton and Ben Heaton are injury doubts but Adam Tangata‘s work permit has come through so he’s included in the squad.