Whitehaven coach Anthony Murray admits he will be taking a battered and bruised squad to Rochdale on Sunday.
Injuries have depleted his options for the League One clash and he has only been able to name 19 players.
On top of the injuries, on-loan half-back Joe Lowe won’t be able to play against his parent club.
Murray said: “We are very grateful to Rochdale for helping us out with Joe and they are within their rights to say no to him playing against them.
“Aaron Turnbull was unable to complete the training session on Thursday so we will have to see how he is on Sunday.
“We are doing it tough at the moment but we will keep going as this squad always gives 100% effort and commitment.”
In addition Whitehaven have Chris Taylor struggling and he might be out for the rest of the season; Brad Brennan is nursing a hip injury and Jack Newbegin is still missing because of the HIA situation.
Rochdale have shown improved form lately and last week scored an emphatic 50-0 win at Goole, who had themselves being putting together some good performances.
“Rochdale have three or four in on dual reg or loan from the likes of Warrington and Wigan and they also have some experienced players.
“They can be a very difficult team to play against,” said Murray.
His squad is: Dan Abram, Ethan Bickerdike, Josh Blinkhorn, Brad Brennan, Clarke Chambers, Karl Garner, Joe Hartley, Ellison Holgate, Connor Holliday, Jack Kellett, Rio McQuistan, Max Anderson-Moore, Ellis Nixon, Jake Pearce, Jordan Thomson, Daniel Spencer-Tonks, Mitchell Todd, Aaron Turnbull, Jay Weatherill
