WHITEHAVEN'S RODNEY PORA RETURNS TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Whitehaven prop Rodney Pora has returned home to Papua New Guinea to be with his young son, who is seriously ill in hospital.

Rodney Pora

The experienced international had been due to feature for Haven in yesterday’s Championship clash with Barrow Raiders, which they won 30-18. But on learning of his son’s condition, the club supported his decision to fly home.

“We wish him well, and hopefully everything will be all right,” coach Dave Woods said, post-match. “He’s at the airport waiting for a flight.

“It is disappointing that he’s had to go, but his family must come first, and we have to make sure we look after him that way.

“It’s very important that he gets home for his family.”

On Twitter, hooker Carl Sice later dedicated the derby win to Pora and fellow front-rower Dave Houghton, who also missed the game. Pora missed Haven’s pre-season regime and had been working hard on his fitness over recent weeks, rewarding Woods with his debut try last week.

“Jordan Hand stepped up and did a great job, and we brought in Bradd Crellin, who looked after the back-row area, so it worked out all right for us,” added Woods, who saw Crellin justify his selection with a dummy-half try yesterday.

Source: News & Star