By Martin Morgan

Last updated 12:59, Saturday, 11 October 2008

Ged Stokes is targeting a big Serbian forward for a trial at Whitehaven.

The prop/second-row was man-of-the-match in Serbia’s narrow defeat against Lebanon in Beirut last weekend.

Stokes coached the Serbs in the Euro-Med clash and would like to look at the forward at close quarters. If he opted to sign the player, there would be no import quota issue as Serbia is classed as a development nation.

“He’s got all the attributes,” said the Haven boss, who was impressed with the quality shown by the Serbs.

“A lot of their players have a great desire to come to the UK and progress their rugby league. There’s some good raw material to work with.They have a really dedicated bunch of administrators and players, with a great thirst for knowledge of the game.

“They are very big people and it’s not uncommon to see 6ft women in the street. Basketball is the national sport.”

Stokes had initially travelled to Serbia on a voluntary basis as a coaching advisor, but after just one training session he was asked to take the national job.

He intends to continue to coach the national side, as long as it does not interfere with his Haven commitments.