By Martin Morgan

Last updated 13:16, Thursday, 17 July 2008

Ged Stokes is ready to continue to spring surprises in order to continue Whitehaven’s play-off push, the coach warned.

Ged Stokes

The Kiwi pulled off a major shock by naming big centre Saia Makisi in an unaccustomed half-back role against Sheffield on Friday night, to counter the formidable Eagles pack.

And the ploy worked, with veteran stand-off Tane Manihera playing an effective cameo role off the bench, as Haven shot down the Eagles to snatch fifth place in the NL1 table from Mark Aston’s men.

“Most of the other sides have peaked, while we are still improving,” said Stokes, who is happy to keep rivals guessing over his selections.

“We are a bit of an unknown quantity, even though we’ve played these teams before.

“Saia Makisi played really well at Sheffield and gave us a bit of a different dimension. Sometimes that can work for you, and other times it won’t.

“Sheffield are a big side, with a couple of good playmakers, and it had to be a team effort from us, more than anything else.

“We felt we had a good preparation for the game from a long way out - two weeks.”

Meanwhile, Copeland Council has agreed to underwrite a £50,000 extension on the club’s bank overdraft. The council executive made the decision in private on Tuesday.

It will not involve a loan from the council, but Copeland has agreed to guarantee the cash, which will tide the club over until the end of the season.

Haven are in line for an improved £100,000 funding package from the RFL next season, and it is understood the current short-term cash flow problems relate to a lack of recent home games.