Championship Preview – Halifax v Swinton Lions

Halifax coach Karl Harrison insists his team will get better after last week’s 18-18 draw at Batley Bulldogs.

Harrison said: “It was a good game of rugby league for a neutral, but we need to learn to close a game out. We were 10 points up with six minutes left and we should be able to finish it from there.

“The players will have learned from that, but we’re still undefeated and not many teams will go to Batley and something.”

Harrison has a number of injury concerns but is keeping secret the identities of those concerned.

Swinton Lions caretaker coach Ian Watson looks set to be without Gavin Bennion (shoulder), while Danny Bridge (concussion) and Brad Dwyer (hip) will also be checked before a final decision is made on the Lions’ squad.

Watson said: “We need to be a little bit smarter in certain areas and make sure we complete with the ball.

“We’re a new team and the players are trying to forge partnerships and build up continuity – and to be fair the relationships are coming on pretty well.”