NRC Preview: Workington v Whitehaven

Workington pair Lee Dutton (groin) and Neil Fraser (shingles) are not expected to feature in Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup clash with Cumbrian rivals Whitehaven.

Town coach Gary Charlton said: “All supporters want their team to win, but especially so when it’s a derby match.

“We’ve said within our camp though that it’s just another game.

“We want our team to be competitive and the challenge against Whitehaven is now a big one, but one that we’ve got to rise to.”

Howard Hill (broken hand) will be missing for Whitehaven, although coach Ged Stokes is optimistic that Hill can make a swift return.

Stokes said: “It’s the second time we’ve played them this year and it brings some extra excitement. They’ll want to come and get a performance this week. We’re not at full strength by any means, which also gives it added interest.”

He added: “I’d like to think that we’ll progress to the quarter finals if we win but if we don’t progress then I’m not totally displeased with how we’ve gone. There’s only been the Keighley game that I haven’t liked.”