Chambers expecting test against Super League wannabes

Gary Chambers expects no easy ride against French side Toulouse Olympique in the Tetley’s Challenge Cup at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday (3pm).

The Lions are still recovering from two tough Championship games in four days over Easter against Leigh and Featherstone.

But the Swinton head coach has been studying videos of their French rivals and expects another full-on encounter.

Toulouse are fifth in the French top division and the club is planning to apply for a Super League franchise in 2015.

“They are a good, physical team and have some good players who like to play,” he said

“They have a couple of Australians in there and they like to spread the ball around. I don’t know any names just yet but they have a big, tall stand-off who looks pretty useful.

“We are going to have to manage our players pretty well this week. There will be a lot of stiffness and they will feel the effect of these two games next weekend.”

Swinton have joined forces with Leigh Centurions for the Challenge Cup double header at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday.

Swinton will entertain Toulouse at 3pm and Leigh will kick-off against East Leeds at 5:30pm.

Both teams were drawn at home and you can watch both games for £18 adults, £10 concessions and £1 juniors.

Meanwhile James Laithwaite, Swinton’s dual-reg back rower from Warrington, has had an operation on the ankle he broke against Featherstone.