RHYS Morgan is standing by his decision to play JH Johnson at number eight – even though it has led to the departure of one of his back row regulars.

Ilkley’s head of rugby moved winger Johnson into the pack for his side’s 37-33 home defeat by Wirral and that sparked the departure of Nick Carolan.

The Australian has opted to join National league Three North rivals Sandal after four seasons at Stacks Field.

Morgan said: “We have to make tough calls all the time and I felt we needed a ball carrier and JH is no stranger to the role.

“All of the stats from Saturday’s game show they JH was up to the job. He was probably our best player.”

On Carolan’s move, Morgan added: “He was disappointed that JH was chosen ahead of him. We respect his decision and we wish him well because he has been a good player for us.”

Morgan, who is anxious for his side to end their run of four straight defeats at Doncaster Phoenix on Saturday, will hoping for good news from tonight’s appeal against Aaron Magee’s sending off against Sandal.

Ilkley hope he might be available for selection again along with fellow winger Deon Hendricks who hopes to prove his return to full fitness in training.

Both will find it tough displacing Kiwi Ricky Palacio who was promoted from the second team and scored two tries against Wirral.

He delighted Morgan with his all-round performance and it illustrated once again the club’s policy of promoting players from the second team.

In past seasons players such as Josh Cockerham, Dan Lawrence, Declan Jackson, Paul Petchey and Will Davies have prospered after being promoted to the first team.

“It is important for an amateur club like ours for the second teamers to know they have every chance of being selected for the first team if they play well,” Morgan said.

“It is my job as coach to identify those who are playing well and deserve a go because that is the key to success.”

Despite their run of defeats, Morgan insists that the spirit in the camp remains good and they would dearly love to avenge their early season Yorkshire Cup defeat when they tackle Phoenix on Saturday.

“I am sure they will look at our recent run and fancy their chances, but I know we have the ability to go there and get a result. I know we were well beaten by Huddersfield and played poorly at Sandal, but we were unlucky against Rossendale and Wirral.”