Whitehaven pulled four figure attendances for their first two warm-up games at the LEL Arena.

The annual Ike Southward Memorial Trophy game with Workington and the visit of a Wigan Warriors side both attracted upwards of 1,000.

But director of rugby Gary Charlton has said he will be very disappointed if there are not at least 2,000 fans for this Sunday’s final pre-season clash with Castleford Tigers.

Charlton said: “Castleford will be playing their Super League players in the first half and the reserves/Academy lads in the second.

“It’s great that we are getting a Super League side coming to Whitehaven and I hope the local rugby league fans show their appreciation and turn out accordingly.

“Personally I think it’s a fixture that should attract at least 2,000 and that will give our club hope for what lies ahead.”

Whitehaven’s financial difficulties have been well documented and the club is on record as saying regular 1,200 crowds would mean a more comfortable existence.

Debts have been reduced over the last few months, but the 2023 season is of huge importance and significance to most clubs below Super League.

The arrival of IMG as Rugby League’s new partners, with radical plans for the future of the sport, is going to have an effect at all levels of the pro game.

“We have boxes to tick to be where we want to be and I suppose we are about 60 per cent of the way there.

“But getting 1,200 for our home games in the Championship is a crucial part of that progress – and survival,” said Charlton.