Whitehaven wait finally over for Rodney Pora

Papua New Guinea prop Rodney Pora will arrive in the UK on Monday to complete his move to Whitehaven.

He is due to arrive at Newcastle and will train with his new team mates the following day.

It is expected that Pora will be in contention for Whitehaven’s match against Hunslet Hawks. His arrival will bring to a close a saga which has been dragged out for a number of months due to visa issues.

Chief executive Barry Richardson said: “We are delighted it has finally come to a conclusion and his visa has been issued. He’s really keen to come and is looking forward to getting started. Rodney is a strong-running, hard tackling international and will add a lot to our squad.”

The PNG star played a match against South Sydney to gain some match fitness and had to wait until he had completed his international duties in Australia before applying for a visa.

A statement on Whitehaven’s website read: “We would like to wish Rodney all the best and look forward, along with his team mates to meeting him. The club would also like to thank vice Presidents for their fantastic support once again in making this signing possible.”