Whitehaven coach Carl Forster is hoping for a money-spinning tie in the sixth round of the Challenge Cup, to help him sign a new player!
The Cumbrians are the lowest ranked side remaining in the competition and the only representatives of League 1.
Having already shocked higher league opposition in Dewsbury and Rochdale to make the last sixteen, Forster’s side will have to pick up another scalp to secure an unlikely passage to the quarter-finals, but the Haven coach is more focused on the club securing a big payday to reward them for their cup exploits.
“I think the club are after that big money tie now,” he said.
“A Leeds, Wigan, Saints or Warrington. Those big followings would be great. For me it would be nice to get them at the Rec but I’m sure the club would like an away draw and get as big a crowd as we can.
“I just hope we’re awarded with one of those big teams. I’d like to avoid your likes Featherstone and Toronto. To get to this stage we want a big money maker now. If you go to Fev away you wouldn’t get a huge gate and they’re a top-class team so it would be a no-win. It’s all about making as much money for the club now really.
“We emphasised there was no pressure on us in those games and the same will apply in the next round. We knew we could win them but it didn’t matter if we didn’t. They enjoyed and expressed themselves and it paid off.”
Forster is hopeful the club’s board will reward his side’s unexpected cup run with funds for a new recruit.
“The board seem quite happy that we went through. It all adds up, especially at a club like Whitehaven. A few grand makes a big difference. I’ll definitely be asking for a new player!”
However, for Forster, whose stock continues to rise having been named the League 1 coach of the year last season, he believes the bigger benefit would be to see a Super League club turn up in Cumbria.
“I think it’s just what the club needs,” he said.
“I think there are a few of those stay away fans at the minute and if you get that Super League club in town it might make them come down. Then if they like what they see hopefully they’ll come back. Although the away draw will be the bigger payday as a one-off, the bigger picture is that if you get a Saints or Wigan at home and got a good few thousand down the Rec it would be a win-win.”
The Challenge Cup draw will take place on BBC Radio 2 at 8:15am.
