WHITEHAVEN are brushing up on their French ahead of Saturday’s showdown across the channel against Toulouse.

But all coach Ged Stokes wants to say to his team is “tres bien” after a performance which will lift spirits.

Toulouse pair Vincent Duport (thigh) and Brendan Worth (thigh) will both be assessed after missing Tuesday’s victory at Batley.

Jerome Gout (wrist) should return within a fortnight, but Sylvain Houles is ruled out due to personal reasons.

Stokes could give a first-team debut to winger Loz Hamzat, explaining: “He was brought to our attention while playing for Lancaster University. We got him along and he’s been playing for the reserves for four or five months.

“He had no background in Rugby League whatsoever but he’s just a natural in the game.

“We’ve developed him and tried to teach him the systems he needs to know. We’ve made a decision to back him for the next couple of years, and we’ll see how he develops.

“We’ve included him in the squad this week. Whether he’ll play or not is another thing but we’d have no issues with putting him in. You’ve got to start the process somewhere. He needs to be tested at this level so we’ll have no hesitation to play him.”

Scott McAvoy could also return to action in a timely boost to Stokes’ side.

On Toulouse, Stokes said: “They’re a good side, and they’re big and physical.

“They’ve had a funny programme over the last few weeks. They haven’t played much footy, then they’ve had two games in five days.

“Gilles Dumas held back a few top line players against Batley but they still got the result, and they’ll be particularly keen on trying to beat us because we beat them at home. They’ll want some revenge.

“It won’t be an easy task but I think we’ve got the tools for the job.”
 

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