Whitehaven are racing against time to get in some new fire-power ahead of Saturday’s game with Workington Town.

Just as they did last year, Haven want to debut two Frenchmen against their local rivals in the Summer Back clash at Blackpool.

Catalans Dragons had originally ear-marked two tough forwards – a prop and a back-rower – to join the Championship side on loan until the end of the season.

Both play for the Dragons’ feeder team in the French Elite Championship but were held-back from crossing the channel when the Super League club suffered a crop of injuries.

Whitehaven director of rugby James Robinson said: “The deal was done and we were expecting the pair last week in time for the London game.

“The injuries that Catalan ran into meant the two players were needed to cover in the squad back home.

“But I have been speaking this week to Catalan’s chief executive, Louis Jouffret’s father Christophe, about our situation and they might still be able to help.

“The position is complicated because the Dragons’ feeder team Union Treiziste Catalane (UTC) has reached the play-offs of their own competition, which are being staged this week-end.

“I am sure if Christophe can help us he will and I shall be speaking to him again some time on Wednesday.”

Whitehaven’s problems increased on Sunday during the heavy defeat by London Broncos as Jordan Burns, Ed Chamberlain and Sam Brooks suffered injuries.

Chamberlain definitely won’t be playing in Blackpool and Burns will have to abide by rugby league’s head-injury guidelines before he can turn-out. Brooks, who has an ankle injury, has a chance of being fit.

On the plus side Stephen Fox, Dion Aiye and Craig Calvert will be back to boost the squad against Town.

Robinson didn’t travel to London at the week-end, but instead made a spying trip to the Zebra Claims Stadium to have a look at Workington Town in action.

“I thought they played very well and were unlucky not to get something out of the game.

“They played with a lot of passion which is something we must match in Blackpool,” he said.

It’s arguably the most important Town/Haven derby ever with the losers being firm favourites to drop into the dreaded Championship One.