The Blue and Golds will return to action this weekend after a fortnight’s lay-off. They will travel to Bradford to play Dudley Hill in a cross-division fixture.
It will be the longest trip in this Covid-effected regionalised format kicking off at 2.30 PM on Saturday.
The fixture should be evenly balanced with both sides previously plying their trade-in NCL 2 prior to lockdown.
Tony Spence is expected to name a much-changed outfit ahead of the clash. Louis Hubbard (shoulder), Louis Poskitt (knee) and Alfie Hart-Fisher (knee) are all nursing injuries.
Ryan Watkin, Bobby Howdle, and Alex Starling have work, family, and holiday commitments respectively.
Francis Coggle, Isaac Merryweather, and Joe McKenzie are expected to be drafted into the 17 together with some shuffling around of the positions. Jack Howdle is likely to start at stand-off half with Sam Coleman slotting in at loose man.
An upbeat Spence commented;
“I always intended to utilise the squad in this regionalised season but it is forced on me this week.”
“Some of our youngsters will get some valuable minutes on Saturday and that can only be good for 2022. There are times like this in amateur rugby league.”
“I don’t know a great deal about Dudley Hill as I’ve not met them for some time but it’s a wide playing area so an expansive game may be needed.”
