Whitehaven's win at Sheffield included a welcome and significant return to action for loose-forward Liam Carberry.

Playing for the first time in 12 months, the former Wigan and Widnes forward, was one of the heroes in Haven’s coupon-bursting 26-24 win against the Eagles.

Coach James Coyle said: “It was like getting in a new signing because he hasn’t played since we signed him last October.

“We had hoped to get him into the side about three weeks ago but didn’t want to take any risks because of the state of the pitches through the weather.

“What we got on Saturday was what we expected from him. I thought he was good, but his own view was that he had played sloppily.

“Whichever opinion was right, there’s still plenty to come from Liam and I think when he gets fully match fit we will see how good he can be.

“He tightens up the middle unit and that was the difference for us.

“He said he felt sore afterwards, but that’s to be expected, and we expect him to be ready for the Cup-tie at Batley on Saturday.”

Carberry, 23, had been out of the game with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but he is no stranger to lengthy absences having broken his leg and damaged ankle ligaments in a pre-season appearance for Widnes in 2014.

He did make five appearances for Widnes, with his debut coming during a home win over Warrington and Whitehaven moved in quickly to recruit him after his release by the Vikings.

The St Helens-born Carberry, who came through Wigan Warriors’ famed academy as a hooker, has represented England at youth level.