Haven set to take on Wigan wonder kids

rugby league By Martin Morgan

Last updated 11:39, Wednesday, 18 June 2008

WHITEHAVEN could face TWO Wigan starlets in NL1 action at title-chasing Halifax on Sunday as Shay boss Matt Calland ponders the embarrassment of riches at his disposal.

Dangermen: Mark Flanagan and Thomas Coyle

Fax this week swooped for JJB loose-forward Mark Flanagan, who joins fellow Warriors loan star Thomas Coyle at the Yorkshire club.

Flanagan, 20, has yet to make his Super League debut, but the former Great Britain Academy ace is a member of Brian Noble’s first team squad and was recently handed a new two year deal.

Coyle joined Fax on a season-long loan earlier this month and started at hooker in their impressive 40-30 win at Widnes, later switching to half-back.

Calland has almost a full squad at his disposal for Sunday’s clash at The Shay, with only ex-Super League forwards David Wrench and Paul Smith on his short-term injury list. And Smith, who broke two ribs in the defeat at Sheffield two weeks ago, is reckoned to have an outside chance of facing Haven.

“It is going to be a nightmare picking a side, because we should have virtually a full squad available,” said Calland, who is gearing for a tough trip to Salford five days after entertaining Haven.

“Whatever the side is on Sunday, the chances are that everyone is going to have a role to play in the next couple of weeks.”

Second-placed Fax trail Salford by one point in the NL1 table, and if the City Reds fail to win at Widnes tomorrow night, a victory over Haven would see Calland’s men seize the top spot in League One.

n Yesterday’s Pride of Five £100 winner was D Pullar, of The Crescent, Bransty, with ticket number 1,066.