New Whitehaven skipper James Newton expects a tight game on Good Friday against county neighbours Barrow Raiders.
Newton, who says he was honoured to be asked to take over the captaincy, says he is expecting a similar game to the opening Championship clash of the season.
“It was important we won that against Swinton and with four our of the first seven games at home we have to make sure we get off to a good start.
“I think Swinton are a similar side to ourselves, with both of us working very hard. They had the better of things for most of the first-half but I thought we did better in the second-half and deserved the win from being 14-0 down.
“I think the Barrow game will be very similar and looking at recent games between the two of us they have been very close. I expect it to just as close this time.
“There were concerns in pre-season about our completion rates and the number of errors we made but it was always about being ready for March 17 and getting it right then.
“I am sure there’s going to be a good crowd there for this one and like everybody else I’m looking forward to it,” said Newton.
The former Millom amateur – who had one season at Workington – has been granted a testimonial by Rugby League and will be announcing plans later in the season.
Haven coach Jonty Gorley has named his two loanees Nathan Connell and George Hill in the squad for Friday.
The squad is: Ross Ainley, Jake Carter, Lucas Castle, Nathan Connell, Rio Corkill, Dalton Desmond-Walker, Jamie Doran, Oscar Doran, Will Evans, Edene Gebbie, Guy Graham, Lachlan Hanneghan, George Hill, Connor Holliday, Ryan King, Jake Maizen, Owen McCarron, James Newton, Perry Singleton, Curtis Teare.
