Whitehaven star Jessie Joe Parker said that Saturday night’s win over London Broncos was just what he needed as he returned to action after a four-game ban.

Parker was sidelined by his ban for a dangerous throw in the fixture with Doncaster but he returned with a bang as he scored his fifth try of the season in Haven’s 40-16 win over the full-time Broncos.

“I was really ready for that game,” Parker said. “I’ve felt really bad being sat on the sidelines and watching the boys play. I was really looking forward to it.

“James [Coyle] said to me before the game that he needed something from me.

“So I went out there, did my best and scored a try.

“I was quite lucky because I thought the ball was going to be kicked into touch but I saw it lying there so I just picked it up and dived over.”

Parker’s 56th minute effort was the first of four second-half tries for Haven and helped put the west Cumbrian’s ahead for the first time at 18-16 after going 16-0 down in the first half.

Dion Aiye chipped the ball to the corner and winger Craig Calvert contested the loose ball with his opposite number, Iliess Macani and it came loose in front of Parker just a metre from the line.

“I’m really pleased with how we are playing,” Parker continued. “In the first 20 minutes it was really tough and we gave away too many penalties.

“But in the second half we did really well in the forwards, they made it a lot easier for us in the back line.

“Then I was moved to second row and that was good because it means me and Dion are closer on the field.

“We know how we play together and we know where we run and have a good understanding with timing.”

Meanwhile, Haven have confirmed that centre Chris Taylor has signed for the 2016 season.

Taylor was at the club last year but left to join Halifax, he then returned to The Recreation Ground on loan before being released by the West Yorkshire club before the start of the Super 8s.

Haven general manager Amanda Hewer said: “Chris has played an instrumental part in our squad since joining on-loan from Halifax earlier this year and we are pleased he has agreed to stay.

“He is a firm fans favourite and we look forward to having him for a full season.”