By Martin Morgan and Helen Thompson

Last updated 13:12, Wednesday, 13 August 2008

Prop Marc Jackson will miss Whitehaven’s crucial run-in to the end of the regular season after last night picking up a two-match ban for use of the forearm in a tackle.

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Ref justice: Haven reckon it was a bad call against Marc Jackson

In-form Jackson, who scored two tries in last week’s win over Sheffield, will miss Sunday’s trip to Leigh and the visit of Widnes the following week. He will only play again this term if Haven reach the play-offs.

The charge of use of the forearm in the win over Halifax last month was downgraded from a category C to a B offence, as the RFL disciplinary panel decided there was no malice on his part.

But Haven assistant coach Les Ashe said today: “I have studied the video and I can’t see any contact with his forearm, or any part of his arm, on Richard Varkulis’s head.

“We are disappointed with the outcome, to lose a player of Marc Jackson’s stature for two crucial games.

“We could win the two games, Celtic Crusaders lose both of theirs and not pick up a bonus point and we finish third.

“Alternatively, we might lose both and miss out. It’s not a done deal, but given the way we’ve been playing, we are pretty confident.” The incident had been placed on report at the time. The 28-year-old’s suspension hands coach Ged Stokes a headache as Jackson had been used to effect as a stand-in hooker in recent matches.

But reserve-grade youngster Chris Smith has stepped up to first-team level this season and could provide an alternative.