By Martin Morgan

Last updated 10:23, Monday, 06 October 2008

Whitehaven boss Ged Stokes may be set to return to the international coaching arena – as boss of fledgling RL nation Serbia in the European Nations Cup.

Haven coach: Ged Stokes could be asked to lead Serbian fledglings

He will lead the Serbs tomorrow in to a Euro Med challenge game against Lebanon in Beirut, which will be a test of their credentials for taking on the powerful Home Nations.

The RL European Federation is looking at the feasibility of inviting the Serbs, Lebanon and Russia to join Scotland, Wales and Ireland in a new-look Nations Cup tournament next year.

“If it fits with both parties – Ged and the Serbians – that will be great,” said the Federation’s executive officer Kevin Rudd.

“He’s bringing a professional attitude, technical knowledge and attention to detail.”

Stokes boasts an international pedigree having been Gary Freeman’s No 2 in the New Zealand national set-up, and he also coached the Kiwi A side on a tour of England, which included a clash with Cumbria at the Recre.

“Ged will enjoy it. I have a feeling he wants to see something different,” added Rudd, ahead of jetting out to Beirut. “There have been all sorts of conflicts in Lebanon, and Serbia had it’s own conflict in the early 90s.

“It gives them a different perspective on life, and they are quite hardened people in some ways.”

Stokes initially volunteered to travel to Serbia this week as a coaching advisor and was then asked to take charge for tomorrow’s game.