WHITEHAVEN coach James Newton says Xenden Callander’s recent run of games is a reward for the teenager’s patience and persistence.
The threequarter joined from Cumbrian amateur club Lowca ahead of this season having represented England Community Lions at Under 18 level.
Callander had a baptism of fire in the 56-14 defeat at Keighley in February, then picked up an ankle injury.
But he has now returned to the team, and on his eighth appearance in total, scored his first try in the 42-20 defeat at Barrow, a first loss in six for the side bound for the play-offs.
“Xenden is what our club’s all about,” Newton told Cumbria Crack.
“He had a really, really tough start to the year. He went to Keighley away, he played on the wing, he got peppered under the high ball, he made a lot of mistakes and then he went through a bit of an ankle injury that he’s been coming back from for several months.
“But he was given an opportunity (in the middle of July) and he’s been absolutely outstanding. So he’s kept his position and he’s doing well really week on week.
“Xenden knows he has got a lot to improve on, but to see him fly down that wing and get that try at Barrow was great, and it will do the world of good for his confidence moving forward.”