By Martin Morgan

Last updated 16:03, Wednesday, 03 September 2008

ROB Jackson has signed a new two-year deal with Whitehaven, declaring: “I didn’t want to go anywhere else.”

signed on the dotted line: Rob Jackson in determined mood in action against Salford

The centre revealed that a host of factors lay behind his decision to pledge his future to the club, notably the tremendous team spirit in Ged Stokes’ squad.

“I just like the place,” he explained. “They are a good set of lads, and that’s the most important thing.

“Generally at a club, there are a couple of people you don’t get on with, but there’s none of that at Whitehaven.

“There’s good banter and everyone seems happy with everyone else’s company.”

He believes the squad will be stronger next season and despite being a first choice player this term, he insisted he was aware he could not rest on his laurels next year.

“Competition brings out the best in people,” he added. “After one particular game Ged had a word with me and said I’d made a couple of mistakes and had to fix it up.

“After that I could think of nothing else for the rest of the week until the next game.

“He’s brought good discipline and keeps people on their toes. There are no short cuts. He’s honest and demands the best from players.

“He’s not bothered who you are or what you’ve done, you’re only as good as your last game. Players can’t switch off and think they’ll be in for the next week.

“There are areas we need to strengthen, but I’m confident we’ll have a stronger team next year and move up to the next level.”

Jackson also praised off-field staff, past and present, for their honest approach.

“The likes of Paul Goodwin, Kenny Shepherd, Ron Batty, George Rowlandson, Des Byrne and especially Barry Richardson, have been superb,” he said.

“To have honest people to deal with is a good quality in today’s game.”

It is understood Jackson had been targeted by a couple of NL1 clubs for next season.

Howard Hill has also penned a new two-year contract. The versatile forward revealed he was happy at 33 to commit to another couple of seasons in the pro ranks.

“They offered me another two years, so I thought I’d take it,” said Hill. “If things aren’t working out, I won’t hang about, so the club won’t lose out.”

Jackson and Hill are both likely to feature at Leigh on Sunday in the NL1 play-off elimination clash (3pm), when Haven are likely to be stronger that in last month’s bruising loss at Hilton Park.

Haven paid a heavy price for the brutal defeat at Leigh, with forwards Graeme Mattinson and Scott Teare suspended after being sent off.

Leigh prop Andy Hobson, another to be red-carded, and Haven back-rower Andy Gorski, were also found to have a case to answer but escaped suspension.

The roles of five Leigh players and Howard Hill were examined but they were cleared of foul play.

Boss Ged Stokes is likely to have at his disposal props David Fatialofa, who will retire at the end of the campaign, Ryan McDonald (back problem) and Marc Jackson returning from suspension. All three missed the last trip to Hilton Park.

“We are capable of beating Leigh by playing rugby league - fair and hard,” Stokes said. “It will be very, very hard.

“It’s looking like Ryan McDonald is going to be fit, and hopefully David Fatialofa will be okay, given an extra week off.

“It would have been too much to ask him to play another season, as he’s had too many injuries to his arm.

“Everything comes to an end. His legacy is imprinted on the place.”

Leroy Joe misses out after this week being banned for one match and fined £100 for punching following an incident in their home win over Widnes 11 days ago, which was put on report by ref Steve Ganson. Vikings’ prop Jim Gannon, involved in the same incident, suffered an identical punishment. Former Haven stats man Lee O’Brien has sadly passed away following an illness.

*Last week’s Pride of Five £100 winners were P Schofield, Greenbank, with ticket number 1,544; William Curwen, Thornhill, 286; M&J Lewthwaite, Hillcrest, 1,491; M Robertson, Egremont, 535; Ella Vaughan, Red Lonning, 2.045.

200 Club winners: £500 The Stump; £100, D Byrne; £50 each: D Burns, R Douglas, D Farrell, The Stump, GK Burns, B Slater, T Grace, C Twinn.

Second Edition: £500, V Quinn; £100 P Connolly; £50 each H Haywood, J Robinson, G Stamper, J Ross, J Lowery, PJ Cordoba, N McCulloch, C Hayes.