WHITEHAVEN interim coach James Newton believes new loan arrival Oliver Polec will add vital strength and power to his pack.
The teenage front-row talent has joined from Leigh with the support of the Cumbrian club’s Haven Warriors squadbuilder fund, and is eager to make the most of his latest chance of competitive first-team rugby.
The agreement is for the rest of this season, although his parent club hold a recall option.
Woolston Rovers product Polec, 19, came through the St Helens Academy, and represented Lancashire at that level, before joining Leigh on a three-year contract ahead of this season.
He featured in the pre-season game at Warrington and on loan to Salford in their first match of the campaign at home to Oldham in January.
Polec will available for Whitehaven’s trip to North Wales Crusaders on Sunday.
Newton, at the helm since the departure of Anthony Murray at the start of this month, said: “Ollie comes with great recommendation from all the coaching staff at Leigh, having gained a full-time contract.
“He has been a top performer at Academy level and will really strengthen us in that crucial middle area.
“Having spoken with Ollie, I know he is really excited about coming to Whitehaven and sees a really good opportunity to test himself at Championship level.”
Meanwhile, back-rower Rio McQuistan has decided to step back from the professional game.
McQuistan made 21 appearances in just over a year with Whitehaven but has been managing a chronic injury.
The club explained: “Unfortunately Rio is needing to explore treatment through the NHS and with the timescales given to Rio he felt he could not perform at the required level within the Championship week in week out.”
Newton said: “He will continue to be a part of the club and I am sure with his dedicated attitude he will be back stronger than ever.”