Whitehaven Rugby league held their pre season launch on Thursday night at the Recreation Ground. 

Although there was a low turnout, possibly due to live Championship rugby league on TV, several questions were forthcoming from the fans.

They were fielded by the panel of chairman Dick Raaz; directors Tim Knowles, Cath Giel and Michael Wood, along with head coach Ged Stokes.

On the recruitment of players supporter John Hurst was disappointed that possible newcomers mentioned pre-season had not shown up.

Stokes outlined the difficulties with bringing over Soni Radavanich and Siai Makisi and his frustration with the RFL.

“To clarify the situation the club is waiting for the UKBA to approve the club’s application to be a sponsor.

“The application has been in for some time and we cannot move forward until approval is granted. Soni meets all the criteria for a work permit and has RFL endorsement.

“We are still awaiting the RFL decision on Siai which has been a long, frustrating process with the RFL requesting more and more information which we have presented as requested.

“Soni has his visa which entitles him to enter the UK and once the UKBA approve the sponsor application we can then apply for a work permit which entitles him to play for Whitehaven and he will then join us,” explained the coach.

He was perplexed that other teams in National leagues do not seem to have the same problems that we have!

(Today it was confirmed that the RFL have turned down the Makisi application! Despite being a Tongan international – the club will decide whether to appeal)

Stokes told the audience how the Danny Russell saga had in effect cost the club two players as Makisi was released as it was felt a scrum half was the position most needed to strengthen.

Stokes said: “To clarify, Dan Russell agreed to join the club and his registration details were forwarded to the RFL.

“At this stage we had no idea of the new regulations and the first hint of a problem was when his registration was turned down after Dan had been living in Whitehaven and training with us since November and had signed his registration papers weeks before that. 

“The club was confident we would gain RFL endorsement for a work permit as his playing history was equal to or far better than others who had already received endorsement from the RFL.

“It’s history now that this was not to be so with Makisi already gone we had lost two players both of whom would have made a massive contribution to the club.

 “It was always the intention to apply for a work permit for Saia under the criteria as it stood then (i.e. prior to the new changes) and we were confident that as both a NZ 9’s international and a Tongan international it would be approved. 

“We had discussed this with Saia and he was happy with this as he knew that with a work permit he would come back to the club off quota under the Kolpec agreement and Danny would be our quota player”

“The planning was sound and logical but the rulings on both applications to the RFL have left me confused and frustrated when looked at side by side with other endorsements that have been granted.

“From a performance aspect it has seriously affected our medium to long term planning, when we consider that Greg McNally will not be with us next year and Tane Manihera is a year to year prospect based on his age and retirement planning”

Director Tim Knowles added that he felt it seemed the club were harshly dealt with compared with Celtic Crusaders for example.

Stokes added he was happy with the squad at present considering the financial constraints imposed on recruitment and felt it was as good as most others in the league.

Dave Farrell asked the head coach if the club had looked at bringing players in from France as the red tape was negated by EU status.

 “We’ve looked at every possible avenue open to us in terms of recruitment but at the end of the day it’s about revenue and expenditure. We will not give up and I am constantly in contact with agents and players regarding opportunities at Whitehaven,” said Stokes.

Chairman Dick Raaz said: “We will support the coach as much as possible but there is no blank cheque to bring in players.”

Ex-chairman Des Byrne asked about the discipline of the players on the pitch as he felt it was costing the team.

Stokes replied: “I  feel we have been hard done by at times e.g. 12 of penalties v Gateshead were debatable after watching the DVD.”

But he added that the team need to cope with varying referee interpretations.

“We must accept their decision and get on with it – possibly our more physical style of play does not go down as well with refs,” he said.

Today’s offer of children in free, although welcomed by some, was questioned by season ticket holder Jack Seeds who had already purchased a junior season ticket.

Raaz outlined the need to boost the crowd numbers and felt this was a promotion worth trying.

New general manager Nigel Beaty added that promotions would vary during the season and season ticket holders would be included.

 
Chairman Raaz outlined the current financial position and said it was not good at the moment as the new board, who took over in January, had inherited a lot of debt.

A lot of work was going on behind the scenes to pay off the debt and make sure the club continued to exist, including the appointment of a general manager Nigel Beaty (pictured right).

The full financial situation, which was improving, would be disclosed to the members at the AGM in April, along with plans for the future.

Director Cath Giel added that she was hopeful hat the RFL would support ground improvements up to a possible £100 000 which would be used to refurbish the bars, toilets and general areas.

The Pow Beck development was brought up by Paul Lace

Raaz said: “I would not like to comment too much except that it is progressing very quickly. If I told you something tonight it would probably have changed by next week”

Director Knowles added that it was crucial Whitehaven had a viable club so it could continue to be the main player in the Pow Beck development.

The chairman added that in terms of commercial activity the club was fortunate in that the micro climate - that is the nuclear industry - was buoyant and unlike other industries and areas would continue to be successful.

Kick off times were mentioned – 3pm or 3-30pm? Director Mike Wood said it had been amended several times in the past but that most people were now happy with 3pm.

The general communication from the club it was felt was lacking.

Beaty commented that it would be part of his role to coordinate activities and keep the fans informed either through the press or the club website which he would use regularly.

The Whitehaven squad joined the meeting and the player sponsor draw was completed.

Player sponsors
 
Craig Benson                 LLWR
Ade Adebisi                   Tim Knowles
Rob Jackson                 Richard Woodhall
Derry Eilbeck                 Tiquiri - Keelan – Kacey
Craig Calvert                  Official Internet Support Group
Carl Rudd                      Alan Dixon
Leroy Joe                      Official Internet Support Group
Marc Jackson                Haven Joinery
Greame Mattinson         L&G Taxis
 Karl Edmondson            Barry Richardson
Howard Hill                    B&H Motors
Spencer Miller               Cameron Wood
Scot McAvoy                 Dick Raaz
Danny Barker                G.M.B.Sellafeild
Ryan McDonald             Official Internet Support Group
Andy Gorski                  Whitehaven R.L.Support Group
John Patrick                  Shakers
Kyle Amor                     Finnigans Chip Shop
Marc Bainbridge           Official Internet Support Group
Taani Lavu Lavu           Paul & Dianne Lace
Matt Tunstall                Seascale Pharmacy
Marc Shackley   Rob Collins
Greg McNally              Clive Hornsby
Jamie Theoharous         Whitehaven R.L.Support Group

Pictures by MAL WALKER. Mal's prints can be bought at £25 for an A4 framed and £40 for an A3 framed. Prints only are £10 A4 and £15 A3.

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