Championship Preview: Swinton v Whitehaven

Lee Briers will star in Thursday’s televised Kingstone Press Championship clash between Swinton Lions and Whitehaven after joining Swinton on a dual-registration deal.

The Warrington  Wolves ace has been named in Gary Chambers’ squad as he attempts to return from neck and calf injuries.

Chambers said: “We have a very young team and a small squad. Having Lee in our side will offer those players guidance, and we can use it as a learning tool.”

Liam Hulme is ruled out for Swinton, while Whitehaven will travel without Cain Southernwood.

Whitehaven coach Dave Woods, whose side are currently sixth in the table after securing five wins from their opening 12 games, believes his side can cope with Briers.

Woods said: “We’ve only touched on it briefly, but we can’t be too worried. He’s a great player and his kicking is exceptional, but this is a different environment for him and he won’t have had too many sessions with Swinton.

“We’re aware of what he can do and we need to put some pressure on him, but we need to be smart in how we do that.”

He added: “We’re pleased to be sixth and we’ve got some games coming up that we’ve targeted. We need to keep going.”