By Martin Morgan

Published at 11:41, Thursday, 15 May 2008

SIDELINED veteran David Fatialofa has told Whitehaven fans: “Don’t count me out this season”.

A big miss: Havens David Fatiolofa in action

Some feared that the Kiwi’s glittering Haven career could be over after he broke his arm against Leigh earlier this month – the third time he has suffered a serious injury to his right arm in as many seasons and the second fracture.

But a specialist has now told Fatialofa, 34 next month, he could be back in training within two months.

“It’s just a six to eight-week lay-off,” said the prop, who is also relieved to be told he does not need further surgery on the arm. “He hasn’t even put it in a cast as he wants it to heal naturally.

“Any injury is bad, but there’s no doubt I will make myself available when I get over this setback.

“There are a lot of ups and downs in a season, and I’m still keen and fired up to get back. If I can get back in to the first-team, I’m looking to catch the last half-dozen games of the season.”

The win over Leigh proved expensive for Haven, with loose-forward Leroy Joe also breaking an arm and hooker Carl Sice fracturing a bone in his hand.

“Leroy will be the biggest loss, for the experience and quality he’s given the team. He’s had a fantastic season,” added Fatialofa.

“There’s plenty of cover in the front-row.”

Meanwhile, new signing Martin Gambles has signalled his readiness to tackle Batley on Sunday, if given the nod by boss Ged Stokes.

The diminutive scrum-half, who joined from Blackpool Panthers last week, could be in contention for the trip to Mount Pleasant as Carl Rudd suffered a knee injury in Monday’s night’s record defeat at Wigan.

“I played for Blackpool for six or seven years, and when Whitehaven showed interest, I thought I would test myself at a Division One club,” Gambles said.

“I’ll just get on with it and see how it goes. I’m ready to play and excited by the challenge. I’ve only played in Division One for Gateshead, in their first year.

“At Blackpool we played a lot of Division One sides in the Arriva Trains Cup over the last few years, and the strength, speed and skill level is a little higher.

“I will play in any position. I know Sicey is injured at the moment. If the coach sees me coming off the bench at nine, I don’t mind.”

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