By Martin Morgan

Last updated 16:04, Wednesday, 25 June 2008

NEW recruits Tyrone Dalton and John Patrick look set for extended stays at Whitehaven – despite only agreeing professional contracts until the end of the current campaign.

Pro contract: Tyrone Dalton, son of the former Haven favourite Jimmy, touches down for Kells

Boss Ged Stokes is a big fan of both players, who trialed with the in-form reserve-grade, and sees neither as merely a short-term solution.

“They have taken things on board and want to further their careers,” Stokes said. “We’ll look at new contracts at the end of the year that will reflect the quality of players we think they are.

“Last week (at Halifax), Tyrone was only one injury away from being our next half-back.

“I’d have no qualms either about putting John Patrick in to the first-team. He’s done very well at reserve-grade level, but first-grade is very different.

“For instance, he has to get used to the lines we run. But if the opportunity came along to play first-team, I think he would acquit himself well.

“He’s a good player for the future, and has a real eye for the try line.”

Barla Great Britain star Patrick scored two tries in the second-string’s 56-6 home win over Rochdale at the weekend, which maintained their second-place in the table behind Leigh.

Fellow centre Derry Eilbeck also crossed twice and Stokes has also noted his impressive form.

Stephen Fox, two, Dan Smith, Scott Teare, Marc Bainbridge and Paul Lancaster also crossed, Bainbridge slotting eight goals.

“Derry Eilbeck was unlucky not to get a hat-trick,” said reserve-grade manager Dave Farrell.

“He’s in a good run of form and is maybe building his confidence pending a return to the first-team. Who knows, that’s up to Ged Stokes.

“Apart from Derry and Scott Teare, we had 15 young lads out against Rochdale. To play like that in conditions that were far from ideal has to be very, very satisfying, and coach Dave Smith was delighted after the match.

“The young players are growing in stature and confidence all the time.”

The reserves have no game this weekend, but the first-team host Dewsbury on Sunday (3pm).

Stand-off Tane Manihera (calf) missed last week’s 38-14 defeat at Halifax, whose success saw them take over from Salford at the top of NL1.

Stokes said: “It’s an old injury he’s had for a few years and it flared up. He played through it last time and it got worse and worse. We’ll see how it goes in training.”

If Manihera is fit, Stokes is prepared to field the Kiwi, youngster Gregg McNally and fellow playmaker Carl Rudd in the same line-up.

“I’m a great believer in putting all your best players on the field all at once,” the coach said.

Meanwhile, Stokes hailed the return of Gary Hewer to the club, following his eight months as assistant coach at Workington Town.

He will have a managerial role in development and searching for fresh talent, working with the club’s current off-field staff.

“I’m over the moon with this,” said Stokes. “It’s one of the best things to happen at the club this year.

“The structure of the club is so important, and this set of directors know that.”

Hewer, who launched Haven’s scholarship scheme seven years ago, said: “The player development pathway that we have put in place is a vital part of Whitehaven’s future.

“Developing homegrown talent is the way forward. Local fans always prefer to see a local lad, who was nurtured in the environment and wants to play for the club, do well.”

Last week’s Pride of Five £100 winners were: D Cameron, Thornton Road, High Meadows, with ticket number 117; R Bell, The Crescent, Bransty, 3,206; Mrs Pringle, Coniston Avenue, Seascale, 3,165; P&M Scaife, Manesty Rise, Low Moresby, 2,576; L Grundill, 30, Calder Avenue, Whitehaven.