Whitehaven have submitted a review of their finances to the RFL as speculation continues to circulate about the club’s well-being.
It comes at a crucial time in the development of the sport with major partners IMG poised to make big changes across the whole game.
Financial stability is likely to be a key requisite, as much as performance on the field, and clubs will have certain criteria to meet.
The Haven board of directors issued a statement on their social media platform informing fans of developments – and urging more help.
The directors said: “It has come to the attention of the board of directors that numerous rumours are in circulation in regards to the club’s financial position.
“The board can confirm that we have reviewed all of our finances and submitted to the RFL a detailed financial forecast in regarding the financial health of the club.
“However, we make no secret of the fact that due to having our central funding cut to £40,000 from £160,000 we need our fans to keep coming through the gates.
“With reduced central funding and a lack of consistency with regards to home games it means more money is leaving the club before any revenue can be generated to the value of the cost of an away game.
“It was especially significant with the York game having to be re-arranged and the RFL deciding to put the game to Wednesday, June 28.
“Despite our best efforts to rearrange to a more beneficial date we have to go with the RFL decision.
“Several fundraisers are on the go at the moment but the board of directors see none of this money provided directly to the club’s cash flow status even though it is generated in the name of Whitehaven RLFC.
“We would ask all fans to support the Dennis McKeown GoFundMe page which will ensure all money raised comes directly to the club and ensure its sustainability.
“Furthermore the home game against Barrow is on a Monday which is also going to affect our match day income.
“Like many clubs in the Championship we have liabilities, however we have payment plans in place to cover these and we make no secret that this is a crucial time for Whitehaven RLFC.”
Despite the concerns over the financial health of the club the team has put together two successive victories with outstanding performances to win at Sheffield and beat Widnes at the LEL Arena.
They currently sit ninth of 14 in the Betfred Championship five points off the play-offs with a game in hand.
