Last updated 15:54, Wednesday, 13 February 2008

PAUL CRAREY described himself to me recently as “the Kevin Keegan” of rugby league and tongue-in-cheek, or not, he’s already starting to live up to the comparison with some all-out attacking.

“I’ve taken a lot of ribbing over the Kevin Keegan remark, but I am a Newcastle United fan,” he laughed.

Paul wasn’t to know one of his Magpie idols would soon be returning to St James’ Park in what’s been called The Second Coming.

Haven’s self-styled Kevin Keegan certainly doesn’t hold claim to messianic powers but without doubt he’s a prophet of exciting attacking rugby football. Which he maintains can prove not only entertaining but as effective as the more pragmatic approach adopted by most coaches in the quest for National League results.

“Some coaches go for structure, there’s nothing wrong with that, but at times it’s like a game of chess between them – that’s not for me.

“Rugby league remains a simple game of run, pass, catch and tackle, supporting the man with the ball in numbers – nothing magical about it.”

With glimpses shown already against Workington Town and Swinton on wet ground friendlies, Crarey bases his game plan on support play (old fashioned backing up!) which the 1982 Kangaroos ruthlessly remind us about. Neither revolutionary nor rugby rocket science but it obviously made a big impression on the young Crarey especially as his great mentor, ex-Barrow player coach Ron Reddy, was a member of the Aussie Invincibles.

Taking a leaf out of The Kangaroos’ book, Paul Crarey knows full well that you can’t play the adventurous football he talks enthusiastically about without getting the basics and the execution right.

“I’ve said we’re going to play expansive rugby and everybody is talking about it, but I’ve got to say that we are also working really hard on defence,” he declares.

Testimony to that is the fact that Whitehaven have run in no fewer than 19 tries in their two friendly fixtures and conceded only two – a points aggregate of 92-8!

Good omens for the sterner tests ahead starting with the Northern Rail Cup pipeopener against Keighley on February 3 at The Recre.

Crarey is pretty pleased with what he’s seen so far and so too are his players it seems!

You can count Rob Jackson among them. “Rob had an exceptional game against Swinton, probably the man of the match, and he phoned me from his home afterwards to say how much he was enjoying it,” said Paul.

It seems a long time since Jackson scored that long range try for Haven (against Oldham) while on loan from London Broncos and it’s fair to say we haven't really seen the same from him since – maybe the best is still to come in his third season here.

The coach was equally delighted with the two-try performance of Jackson’s co-centre Derry Eilbeck and hopes that the imminent arrival of Tongan middle back Saia Makesi has something to do with it!

Crarey wants his players to feel the heat of competition in all areas, he’ll be selecting on form more than reputation.

What probably pleased those 800 fans who braved last Sunday’s elements was the most impressive debut of Karl Edmondson from New Zealand.

“He’s really tough hombre,” said Crarey, “a full on prop who showed he can break the line and once he’s fully match fit I reckon he’s going to be a revelation.”

Fellow front rower Ryan McDonald also takes some stopping possibly starting his new Haven career as an impact player.

That might well be the case, too, for Liam Finch. The speedy Barrow lad showed flashes of his undoubted flair against Swinton and can’t wait for summer rugby.

Another Recre debutant already showing his considerable paces on a wet track is Adi Adebesi – fans are already comparing his speed off the mark, fancy footwork and try scoring knack to Billy Whizz. Adi won’t thank you for any Jason Robinson comparisons but the ex-Featherstone flyer is certainly on course to becoming as big a crowd favourite as Craig Calvert on the other wing – “Supporters have already taken him to their hearts and rightly so, he’s got massive potential,” enthused Crarey.

And so to tomorrow night – here’s hoping for a bumber crowd and dry conditions for The Recre testimonial match in honour of Haven’s admirable Kiwi trio, Leroy Joe, David Faitalofa and Aaron Lester, although the latter won’t be turning out.