Preview: Whitehaven v Keighley

Whitehaven coach Ged Stokes has been hit with another blow after Andy Gorski was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Gorski needs an operation on his pectoral muscle, while Marc Jackson is also doubtful this week after suffering a knock to his kidneys on Monday.

Danny Barker (neck) is unlikely to face Keighley, although tests have revealed his injury is not as serious as was first feared.

Stokes said: “We’re not having much luck at all, but these bad times won’t last. It’s no wonder the players’ confidence is a bit low, but we certainly won’t be throwing the towel in.”

He added: “I like the way Keighley play. They might not have the household names that some other teams have, but they certainly work for each other for 80 minutes.”

Cougars playmaker Danny Jones is being monitored ahead of Sunday’s trip to Cumbria.
Jones suffered a slight hip injury on Monday and missed Tuesday’s training session.

However, Keighley coach Barry Eaton said: “It was a precautionary decision for Danny to miss training. We’re expecting him to play.”

Eaton added: “You know that you’re in for a tough battle whenever you go to Whitehaven. They’re a very tough proposition when they’re at home.

“They’re a consistent, solid side at home and we’re expecting a very difficult encounter.”

Nathan Massey’s dual-registration deal has come to an end after an MRI scan revealed that he needs shoulder surgery that will rule him out for the rest of the season.