Rudd wants to finish with Grand Final glory

Whitehaven half-back Carl Rudd wants to end his career on a high by leading the Cumbrians to Championship 1 Grand Final glory.

Rudd, 29, will hang up his boots at the end of the season, having decided that a troublesome knee, which has been operated on nine times during his career, cannot stand up to the rigours of Championship rugby next term.

He said: “To get to the Grand Final would be fantastic and to win the trophy would be a great way to end my career.

“Our number one priority at the start of the season was to gain promotion which we have done, our second aim was to reach the play-off final and hopefully we can still accomplish that.

“Lifting the trophy would be a great way to thank the club and the fans for all their support they have shown during my time at Whitehaven.”

Whitehaven have already secured their promotion to the Championship for next season, having finished fourth in the table, and Rudd believes their progress up the league ladder is vital for the game in Cumbria.

He added: “It is important for the club to be in the Championship. We set our targets this season and achieved promotion which was important for us but I think it’s also important for the Cumbria region so that local players and up and coming talent have the opportunity to be involved in the game at a higher level.”

Tickets for the Co-operative Championship One play-off game between Whitehaven and Rochdale Hornets at the Recreation Ground on Sunday September 9 (3.00pm) cost from £12 adult, £6 concession and £3 kids and can be purchased on the gate.

Tickets to the Co-operative Championships Finals Day on Sunday September 30 at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington cost from just £16 adult, £8 concessions and can be purchased by calling the RFL Ticket office on 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk