By Martin Morgan

Last updated 13:04, Thursday, 02 October 2008

Veteran Tane Manihera is ready to return to action with Whitehaven next season – if the club need him.

Top man: Tane Manihera has been a star turn at Haven this season

Manihera proved a superb early-season signing by coach Ged Stokes, despite turning 34 in August. And the half-back revealed he is prepared to have another crack at NL1.

“It’s not really up to me, it’s up the club,” he said. “If they need me to play next year, I will. The ball’s in the club’s court.

“I hadn’t played in the First Division for a long time, but you must have faith in yourself.

“It came off, so I’m really happy.”

The former Workington Town and Barrow Raiders star missed only two of Haven’s last 15 games of the campaign, though his play-off semi-final at Salford two weeks ago was cut short by a first-half shoulder injury.

It is understood the club are interested in speaking to Manihera about a possible return next term.

He is unlikely to be available for the early stages of the campaign however, due to commitments with Wigton RU.

Haven have added a new playmaker, Aussie Dan Russell, for next term. The future of long-serving Leroy Joe is not yet clear, though he would be welcome to return to the Recre.

Meanwhile, Craig Calvert is the latest Haven favourite to re-commit to the club. The winger has signed a fresh two-year contract.

“I’m a local lad and want to stick with my home-town club. I don’t want to play anywhere else,” said Calvert, who scored 19 tries in 31 appearances this year.

“I thought I did all right this year and felt a bit stronger. I didn’t get as much ball as I’d have liked, but hopefully that will come next year.”