The toughest game of the season opens up a competitive month for Whitehaven as they put their hard-earned play-off place on the line.

The Cumbrians travel to League One leaders Braford Bulls on Saturday, knowing they have to follow up with another away day, on August 12, to promotion-chasing rivals Oldham.

Player-coach Carl Forster takes his side to Odsal on the back of six straight wins and is optimistic of a good performance against a Bradford side beaten only twice in 19 games.

"I thought we did particularly well against the Bulls at the Recreation Ground in June, and a 27-20 defeat was a very good effort. We showed we could take them on and we will go there with confidence," said Forster.

"There's tremendous spirit in the squad, even though it is a small one, and we have shown in our run of wins that we can see games through."

Forster says he will make changes but will still go to Bradford looking for a win to maintain Haven's challenge and stay in the play-off positions.

As usual the Haven coach will be keeping a close eye on the treatment room as injuries and a small squad don't go well together.

Calum Phillips was the one who suffered on Sunday during the 12-8 win over Newcastle as he finished the game with a bloodied nose after a tackle from Liam McAvoy, a former team-mate at Workington.

Lewis Brown missed out on Sunday with a shoulder injury and will be assessed ahead of the weekend.

After Bradford and Oldham, Haven do get some home comforts, but Doncaster are still very much in the play-off picture and will provide stiff opposition at the Recreation Ground on August 19.

The game against the Dons will kick-off an hour early at 2pm as it coincides with Haven Fest and the stage will be erected on the field.