NRC Preview: Workington v Swinton

Lee Dutton (groin) and Neil Fraser (shingles) are both unlikely to play on Wednesday night as Town look to bounce back from a 38-10 defeat at Keighley.

Workington coach Gary Charlton said: “For the first 20 minutes at Keighley, it was a game we wouldn’t want to remember.

“We gave too many penalties away, dropped too many balls and let them run away with it.

“Our concentration levels were not as high as they should be and we need to change that for this game against Swinton. We can’t afford to give teams easy field position without them working for it.”

He added: “Swinton have recruited some experienced players, especially with Watson amd Smith being on the field. They’re two good players that take their team about, but we’ve got to worry about how we’re going to play. That’s where our focus is.”

Lions coach Paul Smith has admitted his side are “struggling” with up to eight players facing fitness tests on Tuesday night.

Smith said: “It makes it difficult, but it’s probably the same for both teams.

“It’s a big game and we need to win to keep alive our chances of progressing in the competition.”

Workington v Swinton, Northern Rail Cup, Wednesday 17th February (19:30)