By Martin Morgan

Last updated 11:39, Friday, 16 May 2008

WHITEHAVEN have paid a heavy price for Monday night’s record Challenge Cup defeat at Wigan, with key playmaker Carl Rudd sidelined for a month with a knee injury.

Haven's Carl Rudd

The injury requires surgery and sidelined the Haven stand-off in the second-half at the JJB.

“It’s not as bad as was thought, it’s not drastic damage,” said a Haven spokesman. “But he will require an operation, in two weeks’ time. And he’ll have a clear-out of the knee at the same time.

“After that, he’ll be out for another two weeks, which probably puts him in line for a return for the Halifax game.”

Haven travel to The Shay on June 22, for what will be one of their toughest tests of the campaign.

After signing Tane Manihera and Martin Gambles this month, however, Haven will not be short of half-back options during Rudd’s absence.

Batley coach Gary Thornton is likely to be boosted by the return of Paul Mennell, Oli Marns, Andy Boothroyd and Byron Smith for Sunday’s clash with Haven.

“It’s going to be a tough game to call,” said Bulldogs boss Gary Thornton. “They’re going to be a wounded animal after their game at Wigan.

“I’m sure they'll react in a positive way but we’ve got to do everything we can to combat that. We’ve not been playing too well and we’re looking to kick-start our season and hopefully this can be the game to do that.”

Batley lie one point ahead of Haven in NL1 after six games, just outside the play-off zone.