By Martin Morgan

Last updated 09:46, Friday, 06 June 2008

WHITEHAVEN’S new teenage sensation Gregg McNally could be a marked man against visitors Featherstone on Sunday reckons boss Ged Stokes - and that suits the Kiwi coach fine.

TEAM OF ACHIEVERS: Gregg McNally is presented with the shirt he wore during the Salford game.

Stokes believes the 17-year-old’s stunning three-try debut in last week’s televised win over Salford will have alerted the rugby league world to his potential. But he reckons that if the scrum-half is targeted, gaps will be created for team-mates to exploit.

“Obviously it’s going to be a little different for him this week. I would say he’ll be pretty well marked,” said Stokes. “But if they look too much into the influence Gregg will bring, that’s good for us.”

Half-back partner Tane Manihera was also outstanding against Salford, booting seven goals from as many attempts and producing a fine tactical kicking game.

“It’s hard to say who was the most influential half-back,” the coach added. “It was Gregg in terms of scoring tries, but in terms of dictating, it was probably Tane.

“Gregg’s keeping his feet firmly on the ground. The boys will make sure of that. Having him travel with the squad for the past eight weeks has been very good for us. It meant that when he stepped up, he was not a stranger to the players around him.”

Stokes is not looking to break up the half-back partnership against Featherstone.

Carl Rudd returned to training on Tuesday night following minor knee surgery, and a decision over whether he features will be taken later in the week.

Broken bone victims David Fatialofa, Leroy Joe and Carl Sice, who fractured a bone in his hand, are all closing in on a return to action.

Fatialofa trained on Tuesday, and Joe’s injury will be assessed next week.

“Sicey can’t be too far away now,” Stokes said. “He’s getting a bit of movement back in the hand.

“Having him back will strengthen us, as he’s able to put sides under a little more pressure. They worry about him from dummy-half.”

Haven’s reserve-grade, without McNally, hooker Chris Smith and back-rower Danny Barker, who had been called up to the first-team, went down 30-18 to unbeaten visitors Salford last week.

“We paid for our poor start,” said team manager Dave Farrell. “Salford are probably the best side we’ve played this year, and we surrendered the initiative at the start.

“Mistakes and unforced errors gave them most of the early possession and they scored 12 points early on. After that, we were chasing the game. Once we settled down in the second-half we matched them.”

Daniel Smith, Marc Bainbridge and Andrew Jones crossed for the hosts.

The reserves travel to Featherstone on Saturday, having already beaten Rovers at the Recre this season.

“We nilled them last time, and with players coming back into first-team contention, it should give coach Dave Smith more options selection-wise,” Farrell added.

“We won four in a row before the Salford defeat, and we have to be positive and see if we can now put together a similar run, and keep up with the leaders.”

Meanwhile, Haven are saying a big thank you to Cumbrian troops who have arrived home from a gruelling six month tour in Iraq – by inviting them to the Recre for Sunday’s match.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment returned to the county to a heroes’ welcome on Friday. And Haven also want to show their appreciation, with free admission and a pre-match meal as special guests of the club.

“This is a family-orientated community club, and we want to pay respect to the armed forces who have been over in Iraq,” said a club spokesman. “This is the best way we can do it.

“Billy Rudd, of Unique Sports, came up with the idea and sold it to the club. Quite a few armed services personnel are rugby league fans and one or two came down to the Recreation Ground before leaving for Iraq.

“They took Haven flags and scarves, which no doubt ended up hanging in Basra. We couldn’t keep in touch while they were over there, but at least we are now showing we were thinking about them.”

To enjoy a day at the Recre, courtesy of Haven and major sponsor Washington, troops should phone Billy Rudd on 01946 590952. All under-16s will also be admitted for just £1.

Local businessman Phil Clarkin has rejoined the Haven board and company secretary Chris McMellon has also stepped up. Paul Goodwin is the new general manager and Harry O’Neil commercial manager, tasked with boosting the club lottery.

Last week’s Pride of Five £100 winners were: M Chambers, Calder Avenue, Mirehouse, with ticket 994; R Benson, Manor Gardens, 132; S Bright, Fern Grove, The Highlands, 3,275; E Mason, Balmoral Road, Fairfield, 981; A Charlton, Devon Road, Hensingham, 3,100.