By Helen Thompson

Last updated 16:18, Wednesday, 29 October 2008

EVERGREEN Tane Manihera has penned a new deal that will keep the playmaker at the Recreation Ground for another season.

controlling the game: Tane Manihera

The goal-kicking halfback made a great impression on fans and players alike after joining in May last year and was a key man in their success.

Coach Ged Stokes is delighted to welcome him back on board, although he will not rejoin Haven until his commitments with Wigton RU are finished so will miss most of the Northern Rail Cup campaign.

“We are very pleased to have Tane back,” said Stokes. “When he came on board last season there was a lot of scepticism and I think he has definitely proved his value in terms of the performances he put in and the experience he brought with him.

“He really enjoyed the environment and was keen to come back.

“Tane will work through his rugby union commitments with Wigton and when they are finished he will come back to us.

“I believe this will help bring him to full fitness. Tane’s fitness last season was good and that was partly due to him playing rugby union in the off season, it is a good way to maintain his form.”

Last season Manihera formed a formidable half-back partnership with both Gregg McNally and Leroy Joe, the latter also signing on for another year – a double bonus for the coach.

“Tane and Leroy are very good together and the other players also enjoy playing with him, it gives them a new perspective,” added Stokes.

Manihera’s first appearance in 2008 was in the defeat at the hands of Batley but went on to make 13 appearances and prove invaluable with the boot but badly hurt his shoulder in play-off defeat at Salford.

Haven’s versatile new Aussie playmaker has landed in town and is raring to go for the start of the new campaign.

Former Gateshead Thunder star and the NL2 player of the year Dan Russell landed late last week and has already set his sights on an NL1 league winners medal to go with the NL2 one he already has.

“I am loving it so far,” said the versatile half-back/hooker. “I knew Saia (Makisi) that was here last term and he said it was a great club.

“With how they went last year, that was an indication that good things are to come.

“I won the NL2 competition last season at Gateshead and I would love to add the NL1 medal to my collection and hopefully stay injury free and be consistent.”

Russell broke the club’s points-in-a-season and goal-scoring records as the Tyneside outfit marched to the title and promotion.

And although he says he is not too bothered about any of the opposition in NL1 he is looking forward to getting one over on his old club.

“I am definitely looking forward to playing them,” he added.

“I would like to break some records at Whitehaven too but we will just have to wait and see how it goes.”

Haven will go back into pre-season training at the end of the second week in November as Stokes prepares for the new season and he has warned the players that he means business.

The club’s former Tongan international Saia Makisi showed his credentials in his first match for new side Carcassonne last weekend.

Makisi touched down in their Elite League 25-18 victory over Lezignan and earned plenty of praise from the watching fans.

One commented on a website: “Makisi played well and at times with ball in hand looked a class apart.”

Makisi was a popular figure at the Recreation Ground but had to leave due to the import quota being restricted to one player.

Last week’s Haven Pride of Five £100 lottery winners were: John Cox, of Rheda Park, Frizington, ticket no. 1,003; Mrs D Robson, of Queens Close, Whitehaven, 477; L&S Sewell, of Buttermere Ave, Whitehaven, 1,399; Mrs R Batty, of Carlton Drive, Whitehaven, 1,308; W A Martin, of Buttermere Ave, Whitehaven, 329.