Serbian all set for Whitehaven move

Serbian international Soni Radovanovic is set to create history by becoming the first of his countrymen to appear in the Championship.

The front rower was finally granted a work permit on Saturday and is set to fly to England today (Sunday) to link up with Whitehaven.

Their coach, Ged Stokes, who has also been training the Serbian national squad in readiness for this autumn’s European Cup, spotted his potential and invited him for trials at the Recreation Ground.

Despite an initial delay with the paperwork, a month ago Whitehaven were granted sponsor status by the UK Border Agency in order for the application to find favour.

With an injury crisis to their props, his arrival could not be better timed, with Haven set to face Widnes on Thursday in a televised clash.

The 21 year old has been a regular Serbian international since making his debut against Holland in 2005.

He was voted ‘Best Representative Player of the Year 2008’ for the Serbians and, while waiting for his work permit, scored seven tries in two games for his club Dorcol Spiders.

Soni has also had previous spells in England – with London Skolars and Warrington Wizards – and with Russian club Vereya.

Rugby League European Federation Regional Development Manager (South East European Region), Jovan Vujosevic commented, “this is a massive step for the game and the profile of it in Serbia.”

“We hope that a lot of local players will track Soni’s steps and take similar ones in the future. The rest of the rugby league world can now see the growing quality of player we are producing.”