Three weeks ago you'd have fancied the trip to Whitehaven. A humbling defeat at home against Swinton followed by an embarrassing thumping by the BIffs gave every indication that the wheels had departed from Paul Cullen's top nine challenge.

But last week's convicing 20-5 win in a bad tempered game against Hull KR indicates that they could well have regained their focus. Their game last week was marred by allegations of racist comments and assault. Hull KR fullback Alex Godfrey claims he lashed out after an afternoon of racial abuse from 'haven winger Leigh Smith, who ended the day with what police described as '...a traumatic tear on his lip...'. A doubt for Sunday then. RFL's new Executive Chairman Richard lewis has instigated full investigation at the highest level.

Paul Cullen has welded a useful and durable outfit at the Recre'. Expect to see try-machine David Seeds running off the mercurial Leroy Joe. You read it here first. Up front, crafty hooker Aaron Lester can cause all sorts of problems, mixing a neat passing game with an industrious running style that can open up the sternest defences.

Alongside him, big mobile props Mark Cox and David Fatailofa provide momentum and the attrition to grind out the hard yards and force defences back. Also in the side, hard-hitting ex-Hornet Chris McKinney will need some close attention.

Pending the state of Paul Owen's cut head, Hally will be looking to start with his now preferred line-up - though Brendan O'Meara staked a big claim for a starting jersey with a stunning performance last week. Casey Mayberry and David Larder are also thought to be close to selection after injury.

It's interesting to note that, like Hornets, Whitehaven are using the new Kikri match ball. Some supporters have noticed that since its introduction teams have struggled to handle it. We don't know if its design is causing problems, but it's worth keeping an eye on on Sunday.

As always, a trip to Cumbria involves a day out - and as Hornets need to gain as many points as possible on this month-long road-trip, it's essesntial that we come away from the Recreation Ground with the points.

Cumbria - and Whitehaven in particular - can be a graveyard for the best of teams, but if we can muster good numbers of supporters, we can get behind the lads and give them a lift.

The supporters' convoy leaves Morrissons at 10.30 - the fans' coach leaves the town hall at 10.30. If you can make it, be there. It's a vital game and it'll be a cracker.