By Martin Morgan

Last updated 12:28, Tuesday, 15 July 2008

Whitehaven boss Ged Stokes is backing NL1 big guns Salford and Widnes for promotion to Super League next year – and reckons Saturday’s opponents Celtic Crusaders may miss out on a prized licence.

Haven's new head coach Ged Stokes. pic MIKE McKENZIE 2nd April 2008

The 14 clubs granted three-year Super League licences from 2009 will be revealed next week, with the City Reds, Vikings and Crusaders among those vying for top-flight slots.

And Stokes reckons the long-established sides should hold the whip hand among the current clubs from outside the top-flight.

“Salford and Widnes go way back and have every right to be considered before anyone else,” the Kiwi said.

“I know the history of English RL and these two were foundation clubs, who certainly deserve the right to go through.

“They’ve proved they have the crowds and one has a new stadium, while the other’s is being upgraded. For me it’s a no-brainer.”

The RFL will consider a host of factors in awarding licences, including stadium facilities, youth development, fan base and financial stability.

“The infrastructure is what they’ll be looking at, rather that what’s happening on the field at the moment,” Stokes added.

“It wouldn’t matter if Salford and Widnes were bottom of NL1. From the look of things they certainly have the financial backing, and I have no fears that these would be the two clubs, for me, to go up.”

Haven travel to Bridgend to face Celtic on Saturday, 4.15pm kick-off. The Crusaders lie third in League One, four points behind Salford after losing 42-30 at Featherstone on Sunday.

Widnes are eighth but would be level on points with Celtic if not for their nine-point penalty for going in administration last year.

Winger John Lebbon was due to be released from a Bolton hospital today. The 23-year-old fractured his fibia and dislocated his ankle in the closing seconds of Saturday’s reserve-grade defeat at Leigh.