Whitehaven have two major concerns ahead of Saturday night’s top of the table battle with London Skolars.

Papua New Guinea star Jessie Joe Parker has a knee problem while Barrow loanee Jake Carter suffered a neck injury in training.

Coach Gary Charlton has not completely ruled-out the pair but will be leaving a decision on them until as late as possible.

“Jessie felt his knee at North Wales and had to come off, which is unusual.

“He is always reluctant to leave the action, so it must have been something that was troubling him.

“We will be assessing him during the week and in the build-up to the game.

“Jake was hurt while training at Barrow and he had a brace fitted to his neck. Again it’s a question of seeing just how he is as the week progresses,” said Charlton.

Whitehaven had just extended Carter’s loan spell until the end of June after he had impressed in his early outings for the club.

Although there are doubts over Parker and Carter, Whitehaven will welcome back Dave Thompson who was suspended last week for the trip to Wrexham and the 28-14 win over North Wales.

Thompson is an important member of the Haven squad as he can operate both in the backs and the forwards, although Charlton regards him primarily as a powerful strike winger.

“It will be good to have Dave back and available.

“So, apart from the doubts over Jessie Joe and Jake, the only other question mark is when Ethan Kelly is going to be ready for a comeback,” added the Haven coach.