Whitehaven will be without star centre Jessie Joe Parker for at least the next two weeks after the PNG international sprained his knee in last weekend’s fixture against Dewsbury Rams.

Parker was forced off five minutes from time after twisting his knee in an attempted tackle and has sustained a knee ligament injury.

Although the injury is not as serious as first thought, the centre is likely to miss the next two games.

“Obviously it’s a massive shame for both the club and for Jessie,” Haven general manager Amanda Hewer said. “He’s just come back from his ban and now he’s out again.

“Amy [Kirkbride, physio] was pleased with the first assessment of the injury so it doesn’t look as though he’ll be out for too long and we hope he’ll be back in time for the Workington Town game.

“Jessie is great when it comes to recovering from injuries and at times he pushes himself through the pain barrier, he’s a really strong player.”

With Parker out, youngster Connor Holliday could find himself in the starting line-up for Monday’s game against Hunslet Hawks.