Gary Charlton believes he can have a little longer in the head coaching role at Whitehaven before handing over the reins to his assistant Jonty Gorley.
Charlton is stepping up to director of rugby next year but thinks the side is capable of extending their involvement in this year’s Championship season.
There are several permutations from Sunday’s trip to Bradford Bulls when it’s linked to London Broncos’ game at York City Knights.
“We can only concentrate on doing what we have to, and that is winning the game against Bradford. We can’t do anything about London’s match with York.
“We are playing some decent rugby and on a great run of form. To be fighting for a play-off place in the last match of the regular season is not what any of us would have thought.
“In the end though we knew we had a capable squad of players and they have gradually started to believe in themselves, with the result they have put together a phenomenal set of results to be on the brink of the play-offs.
“Bradford are a big side and it’s a small pitch so we will need to defend properly and take charge of the ruck areas. Obviously it will be tough going there but we have a confident bunch at the moment and we are going there with a shout,” said Charlton.
But Haven will be without skipper Marc Shackley (who needs a knee operation), stand-off Karl Dixon (on a pre-booked holiday) and hooker Callum Phillips (getting married).
The bonus, however, is that prop Tom Walker, who looked to be out for the season with injury might be ready to play.
Haven’s Antipodean trio of Lachlan Walmsley, Nikau Williams and Ryan King are all fit and raring to go, keen to make the play-offs on their first taste of English rugby league.
“The three have been absolutely brilliant for us and it’s been a pleasure to have them in the squad. I’m hoping that we will be able to have all three back next year although we know of Super League clubs showing interest in Lachlan,” said Charlton.
As it stands at the moment London have 21points from 19 games for 55.26 per cent and hold the sixth and final play-off place ahead of Whitehaven who have 23 points from 21 played for 54.76 per cent.
If the Broncos win at York then Haven cannot make the play-offs but if they draw they will finish on 55 per cent. Whitehaven would then pip them if they win at Bradford, moving onto 56.8%.
Should the Broncos lose at York they will finish on 52.5 per cent and a Whitehaven draw would be good enough to take them through on 54.5 per cent.
“It’s all ifs and buts so what we have to do is stay focused on our own performance, win the game and then see what London have done when we finish,” said Charlton.
