Getting Haven ready To Up Their Game
Words: John Walsh
WHITEHAVEN'S remarkable feat in wiping-off a nine-point handicap in double quick time has made the rugby league world sit up and take notice.
The nine points were deducted because the Recreation Ground club had gone into administration after suffering grave financial problems.
But with seven wins and a draw from their first nine games Haven had leapt into the top four - and would have been clear leaders but for the handicap.
Now Paul Nelson, one of the directors who joined the re-formed Whitehaven last year, wants to make sure the club can continue to move forward, especially with regard to the 2012 season which promises to be a crucial one for the sport.
The Rugby Football League is conducting a Championship review and there could be serious implications for clubs whether they stay in Championship One or move up into the Championship. The RFL are keen to expand the game below Super League and there are some concerns. There is talk about bringing in more clubs to Championship One, outside of the heartland of the game with teams from Northampton, Coventry and St. Albans among the possibilities.
The review has a lot of implications for the game in general with opportunities and threats posed in almost equal measure.
Nelson, who has been watching Whitehaven for almost 40 years, said: "We have to make sure that we are competing at the highest level in the Championship and to that end I'm hoping to build-up a war chest by the end of the season. "I'm involved in the merchandising of the club, after 20 years experience in the sports retail trade, and helping to make sure we have money coming into the club week by week.
"It has been a big boost to everyone that we've quickly erased the nine point handicap and have put together a competitive squad and that's down to David Seeds and his coaching staff.
"The fact that we have been getting results on the pitch has been good for the fans, because that's what mainly concerns them. It's been good for the board members too, looking back at the dark, cold winter nights when there was plenty to discuss but no actual rugby league to cheer us."
Nelson has already made a significant contribution to the current playing squad by his recommendation of Aussie prop Luke Isakka, who quickly became a key component of Seeds' team.
"I've kept in touch with Peter Camroux from when he played for Whitehaven and went home to Australia. He was coaching at Balmain and told me about Luke so I was able to pass that on to the club. I hope that friendship might bear more fruit in the future. Peter has promised to look out for other players he think will do well for us and enjoy the experience," he says.
New Beginnings New Year, New Season
2010 was not one of Whitehaven Rugby League Club's more memorable or enjoyable years.
Things seemed to go from bad to worse as the season slowly limped on towards a sorry end as there was more drama off the field than on the field.
But that was then and this is now a new year, a new season, with a new vitality . It's a brand new beginning for Whitehaven Rugby League. We spoke to Chief Executive Barry Richardson about the future of this great West Cumbrian Rugby club.
Stephen: So how is the new year shaping up?
Barry: We are all really looking forward to the new season especially our first friendly against Leeds on 30th of Jan. With David Seeds as coach the morale in camp is fantastic.
I think the backbone of the team are the lads that played in the under-23's last year that won the Championship at that level. There is a real buzz among the players.The board made an excellent choice in selecting David as coach and this decision has helped retain the majority of the squad. David has been there and done it, as a player and a person he has always been highly respected on and off he field.
S: You have been involved in the club on and off over the years, but after everything that has gone on why have you decided to come back now?
B: I was involved when I was Chairman a number of years ago and it was a very enjoyable time. I have been asked to get involved over the years however it was impossible to give the right level of commitment with my Job at the time and it was like having two full-time jobs when I was Chairman. I said I would never come back until I could give 100 percent to it , only until I could do it on a full-time basis would such a time be the right time.
After having left my job I was approached by Dick Raaz about the GM position and I am absolutely loving it. I am impressed by the new board of directors and there is a great atmosphere, they are putting the infrastructures in place to make the club successful for the future.
S: As Chief Executive do you feel you can make things happen more quickly?
B: Yes, one of the reasons is that I am here everyday looking after things on a day to day basis. Dick made clear my accountabilities and the support and active support from the board is really good.
S: With regard to local companies and support how are you being received?
B: We are building relationships with old and new businesses. We have been going out and working with them and we are experiencing a real positive response. New companies are getting behind the club and old sponsors are still there and being very supportive. We are delighted that NMP are still backing us, Their support throughout the years has been absolutely fantastic and we really appreciate it. We always welcome new partners and sponsors.
We have various sponsorship packages available to suit all budgets. Local companies can advertise in our Programme, sponsor a board around the ground and we also have Match Ball Sponsorship and Corporate days which are always popular.
S: What signs do you see that indicate that the club is on the up?
B: What was really pleasing firstly was the first gate against Workington, it was really encouraging, a bank holiday, not the best of weather yet still over 1,200 people turned out.
We lost the friendly but what was good was that it was mainly a team of youngsters that we fielded as five of our most experienced players dropped out due to injury or illness.
We still had a good chance of winning that game and the young lads played admirably.
So to bring these five experienced players back in and as we are also looking to strengthen the team as well, I think by the time we play Workington in the Northern Rail Cup on February 6 it's going to be a real big game for both clubs.
Workington having been here and winning the last game will have a good opportunity and also I think Workington will have a good squad this year. That said, I'm confident with bringing our experienced players back in and with the youth in our side we will have a real good balance.
Our Pride of 5 Lottery Draw has really taken off this year with Paul Goodwin, David Farrell and the lottery team doing an excellent job. For every week that you are in you get an entry into our £10,000 yearly Draw as well as having the opportunity to win £100 everyday from Monday to Friday for as little as 20p per day £1 a week.
The money we raise through things like our Draw puts investment into youth development and also makes a real difference to your club. We have thousands of members who pay and play. We have also teamed up with Brooks which provides additional prizes.
You can join today by simply calling 01946 328088 or visit us at the Recre.
S: It was £14 to watch a game last year, which I thought was quite steep, what is the pricing structure this year?
B: This year it is £12 and that gives you entrance to the grandstand as as well as standing, but that is on a first-come-first served basis. It's £100 for an adult season ticket; £50 for a concessionary ticket and children's season tickets are £25;
We decided to bring the price down as we wanted to make Rugby more accessible to a larger audience, with the economic climate as it is this was a decision that was made with the fans in mind, we have listened to the fans and we have reacted positively.
Barry also goes onto say: "We are really over the moon with the back room people such as Ryan who is working with local companies and people like Tommy Johnstone - Howard Robinson Stan Greaves and Jimmy Clements all of who volunteer there services here, these people make a massive difference to the club.
If people want to get involved with the club, they should call either me on 01946 328088 or for the Lottery call David Farrell. We are always looking for Agency collectors." Want to make an extra few £££'s call Dave and start to Save.
LUKE ISAKKA
HAVEN'S NEW AUSSIE PREDICTS BRIGHT FUTURE
Words: John Walsh
LUKE Isakka is adjusting to life in West Cumbria, looking forward to getting some sun on his back and already suggesting that there's a bright future for Whitehaven RL.
The 30-year-old Sydney-born prop has made a confident start to his career at the Recreation Ground but believes there‘s more to come as he adapts to the British game.
"I had a short spell at Leigh a few years ago but didn't get much of a chance. I went home and played there until I got the chance to join Whitehaven, in January.
"That was down to my former coach at Balmain, Peter Camroux, who used to play for Whitehaven and had been asked to do a bit of scouting for them. I didn't need to be asked twice because I'd heard about Whitehaven. "I think I've settled in well. The people of Whitehaven are really friendly and helpful while my new team-mates and the coaching staff have been great. I know it's early days but I hope to do enough this season to earn another chance next year because I like the town and the club," he said.
Isakka has been pleasantly surprised at the standard of rugby. "It's tough, physical and probably similar to the grade I've been playing in Australia. We've played a couple of very good teams so far but the best, Halifax, were very patient and excellent at punishing our mistakes.
"The game that gave me most satisfaction was the one we won at Oldham in the Northern Rail Cup. I hadn't been involved in the pre-season friendly when Whitehaven lost heavily so to go back down there and win was a great achievement. We didn't make the quarter finals of the Northern Rail Cup, thanks to Halifax but I think everyone has their sights on Championship One."
"Although there's a nine point handicap to overcome we made a great start by knocking-off three in the first League game and I don't see any reason why we can't quickly peg back the rest and once in credit we should be able to move forward positively.
"I've been impressed with the players. There are some very promising youngsters, while the older, experienced players are all very capable performers."
Back home in Sydney, Luke is a fitness instructor and keen to get similarly involved in Whitehaven. He's also been seen around the local schools, coaching youngsters and he is also determined to make an impression in British rugby league, now he's finally got his chance.
Whitehaven Rugby League Spring Fixtures 2011
June
Sunday 5 LONDON SKOLARS
Sunday 12 - Rochdale Hornets
Sunday 26 - WORKINGTON TOWN
July
Sunday 3 Oldham
Sunday 10 - SOUTH WALES SCORPIONS
Sunday 24 - Swinton Lions
Sunday 31 - GATESHEAD THUNDER
August
Sunday 14 - Doncaster RLFC
Sunday 21 - SWINTON LIONS
September
Sunday 4 - Keighley Cougars
