Whitehaven’s latest signing will miss a chunk of the month he has been loaned out because of suspension.
Although 22-year-old half-back Dan Coates is okay to make his debut at Barrow on Sunday, he will then be suspended for two matches.
Coates was banned after being charged with a Grade C offence of making a tackle on the passer during the reserve game between Newcastle and Leeds.
It means he will miss Whitehaven’s next two daunting fixtures against the top two sides in the Championship, Leigh and Featherstone.
Talented young hooker Caine Robb looks to have played his last game for the club after an outstanding performance in the 26-26 draw at Batley last Sunday.
Robb has been ruled out of Sunday’s trip to Barrow through concussion protocols and then his loan spell from Castleford comes to an end.
Whitehaven are fourth bottom with nine points, possibly a couple of wins away from safety, but continue to glance over their shoulders at the teams below them – London Broncos (7), Dewsbury (4) and Workington Town (2).
