WHITEHAVEN are hoping Jessie Joe Parker’s visa will have come through in time for him to feature against Barrow Raiders tomorrow.

Parker’s Papua New Guinean compatriot Dion Aiye was granted clearance in time to feature in last Sunday’s Ike Southward Memorial Trophy clash with Workington Town, but the centre has been left waiting for news.

The 33-year-old has been with Whitehaven since 2012 and previously played in this country for Featherstone Rovers, and the club are optimistic he will be cleared to play in this weekend’s Cumbrian derby at Craven Park.

“We were surprised when the clearance hadn’t come through for Jessie, but we are assured it will be completed very soon,” said Haven chairman Tommy Todd. “In fact, we were told it could be any day.

“Certainly we are hoping he will be able to resume playing at Barrow this weekend. There are no issues with the Rugby Football League over this and it isn’t the problem we have experienced in the past.”

Although Parker’s participation tomorrow is up in the air, head coach Gary Charlton is expected to welcome back Chris Taylor and Brett Phillips after they missed the 24-6 defeat to Workington due to injury.

Former Askam amateurs Sam Dowsett and Tom Wilkinson, Millomite James Newton, and ex-Raiders Ruairi McGoff and Matty While are all likely to be lining up against Barrow as well.

Both teams are seeking to rebound from losses in their opening pre-season matches, although Whitehaven assistant coach Jonty Gorley was not too disheartened after the defeat to their West Cumbrian rivals at Derwent Park.

“We will learn from the game, it’s part of getting ready for the new season starting,” said Gorley, whose side also face Newcastle Thunder in pre-season.

“Town’s experienced players were the difference, especially Sean Penkywicz. In my opinion, he’s the best number nine we will come up against this season.”