Rudd returns after five-week lay-off

rugby league By Martin Morgan

Last updated 09:55, Saturday, 21 June 2008

Playmaker Carl Rudd returns to action for Whitehaven at Halifax tomorrow after five weeks on the sidelines – with a plea from boss Ged Stokes not to expect him to be an instant hit.

Stand-off Rudd, back in contention after knee surgery, scored tries in four of Haven’s five games against Fax last term, touching down in both matches at the Shay, and booting 27 goals in total for an impressive 70-point tally against the Yorkshiremen.

Hooker Carl Sice, out for six weeks with a broken hand, will also feature in the NL1 clash, adding valuable know-how to the squad.

“Take nothing away from the young lads who have played recently, but it will be good to have the experience of these two,” Stokes said.

“Carl Rudd has the trust of the players, who work well off him. But it’s going to take him two or three games to get back to the speed of things. We shouldn’t put pressure on him to perform right away.

“When Sicey comes on Halifax will have to tighten up around the ruck, and that may create a little space out wide.”

Widnes Vikings’ Thursday night win over Salford saw Haven slip out of a play-off position, and Fax will now replace the City Reds at the top of League One with victory tomorrow.