By Alan Irnine

Last updated 12:32, Wednesday, 06 August 2008

The Eagles of Sheffield will feel the full force of Marc Jackson in Whitehaven’s pack at The Recre tomorrow night – but “Jacko” remains at the mercy of the game’s judiciary.

Marc Jackson

The former Wath Brow star, once the top hooker in BARLA, has a date with the RFL disciplinary committee which has been fixed for next Tuesday.

It means that “Jacko” is available to play against Sheffield in Sky’s televised clash which is important to the top-six play off hopes of both clubs.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed today that Jackson has been put “on report” as the alleged culprit during an incident in the last home match against Halifax, which brought one of the best wins of the season.

Flashpoint came in the 21st minute when “Jacko” was making a characteristic blockbusting run in clearing his line.

Haven’s front-runner stands accused of raising his free arm and flattening one of the would-be Fax tacklers.

Whitehaven chairman Gordon Grace: “This is on the say so of the touch judge but ‘Jacko’ says that while he was bringing the ball away there was a clash of heads as two men went into to tackle him, one of them was left flat out.

Ged Stokes and coaching assistant both say there was nothing to it but we will just have to wait and see what the men at Red Hall think.

“We’ve only just had the report through but the RFL believe there is a case of answer, it’s set for next Tuesday.

“I have to defend our player – and I will.”

While Marc’s non-stop aggression has got him into hot water over the years, Mr Grace declared: “He should not be judged on his past record, but this single incident.”

Club and fans are keeping fingers firmly crossed that their front row favourite escapes any further punishment.

Since turning professional in Paul Cullen’s reign, Jackson has bulked up to become a force at prop forward but recently since reverting to his Wath Brow Hornets and Great Britain amateur role at hooker he has recaptured outstanding form.

Deployed as back up to Graeme Mattinson, another ex-Hornet No.9, Marc has been so effective that Ged Stokes felt able to release the opportunist Carl Sice to Barrow for a month’s loan.