Championship Preview: Batley v Swinton

Danny Maun, Greg Johnson and Paul Mennell are all back in contention for Batley as they face Swinton in a game put back 24 hours to Sunday due to snow.

Anthony Mullally and Dan Fleming are also available for John Kear’s side.

Kear said: “We’re obviously happy with how the league table looks at the minute, and we want it to continue throughout the season. That’s the challenge for our players.

“Halifax are undefeated, Featherstone and Sheffield have only lost once, and then there’s Leigh as well. It’s a very intense competition.”

New Swinton Lions coach Gary Chambers takes charge of his first game.

Kear added: “New coach syndrome will kick in and I’m sure they’ll lift, but somebody’s got to play them. We’re excited by the challenge, although we don’t quite know who we’ll be playing – that’s one of the nuances of the dual-registration system.”

The Lions are currently ninth in the table, with two wins from their first seven fixtures this year.

Chambers said: “It’s a challenge I’m really looking forward to. I’m aware of where the club is, and I know what needs to be done.”