Win or lose on Sunday, Whitehaven’s squad building for 2018 starts next week.

So far only player coach Carl Forster and second-rower Connor Holliday, are on the register with two-year contracts.

But tomorrow’s showdown at Craven Park will determine in which league they will be playing next season.

They will either be back in the Championship or set for another season in League One.

Chairman Tommy Todd said: “That’s been the problem when you’re negotiating with players and don’t know which league you will be playing in.

“Naturally we are hoping it will be in the Championship but supporters will see the squad taking shape from next week.”

Forster, who committed to another two years at the Recreation

Ground several weeks ago, feels there is enough togetherness about the present squad to see the majority back on board.

There will be two notable exceptions – club stalwarts Scott McAvoy and Craig Calvert who will be retiring after the final.

“We have two or three already signed up and ready to announce and six or seven who will follow them.

“We have a very good spirit within the squad. It isn’t as big as it was at the start of the season but that’s how it has worked out.

“It would have been nice to be picking from 26 or 27 players but I haven’t got that choice.

“At least the 20 we have I can trust. We are all in it together.

“Everyone is looking forward to the final. It’s what we have been aiming for all season.

“We know what Barrow are about but we will be looking at making sure our own performance is capable of winning the game.”

Whitehaven expect to take around 500 fans to south Cumbria in one of the most important county derby games if recent years.

Whitehaven will choose from: Miller, Calvert, Parker, Taylor, Burns, Aiye, Crook, Shackley, Tilley, Forster, McAvoy, Olstrom, Roper, Newton, Riley, Holland, Holliday, Green, Brown.