Super League clubs chase Whitehaven prop

James Gordon

Young Whitehaven forward Kyle Amor is the subject of a tug of war between Super League sides Leeds and Huddersfield.

The former Hensingham amateur has burst on to the scene in 2009 with consistent performances in the front row for Haven, attracting the attention of clubs in the top flight.

Just last week, a link-up deal between Leeds and Whitehaven was announced, but Head Coach Ged Stokes confirmed that Amor has yet to decide where his future lies.

He said: “It’s still very much a work in progress. Kyle’s got a few things to think about his long term future in rugby league.

“He’s got to take the personal side in to it as well, and his career as a printer which he’s been at since he was 15.

“The basis of the negotiations has been along those lines all the way through and it has been dealt with very professionally.

“It has progressed no doubt but there’s nothing to report just yet.

“I’ll give him as much advice as I can and I’m sure he’ll take advice from people close to him and make a good decision based on everyones input.”

And Stokes is determined to ensure that any deal is the best for Whitehaven.

“The days of big money transfer fees for players moving between Championship and Super League are long gone. If we can’t agree a deal to suit us then it will go to a RFL tribunal but the way we’ve negotiated, we’re hoping we’ll get the best we can achieve from the deal.”

Just last year, another Whitehaven starlet, Gregg McNally, completed a move to Huddersfield, and was subsequently loaned back to Cumbria for the 2009 season.

It is believed any deal for Amor will involve a similar move.

Meanwhile, Stokes has confirmed that French duo Amir Sabri and Rashid Ahlalou have left the club.

The pair were on trial at the Recreation Ground but Ahlalou suffered a separated bicep playing for the reserves and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Stokes added: “It’s very disappointing. We did a considerable amount of work recruiting two French players.

“Amir didn’t perform as well as I’d expected in the reserves and he cited that he was fatigued after his season in France. But we move.”

Whitehaven enjoyed a week off this weekend but will take part in the Northern Rail 9’s competition on Saturday.