Whitehaven coach Ged Stokes has praised centre Saia Makisi for his performance in their 32-14 defeat of Sheffield Eagles on Friday.

Makisi, 25, took up an unfamiliar role at loose forward and Stokes was delighted with the Tongan's efforts.

"I thought it was Saia best game for Whitehaven," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"He ran some fantastic lines, defended extremely well in a pattern he's not used to playing. He played for the team, and with the team."

There was some bad news for Stokes as stand-off Carl Rudd appeared to pick up an injury which could see him forced out of the side.

"I think Carl has hurt his knee, the one that he has had operated on, hopefully it's not as bad" said Stokes.

"His contribution was very good, he had to play with a lot of patience and wait for the ball because it was a forwards-dominated game and his kicking was superb."