Preview: Batley v Featherstone

Third-placed Batley could move level with Leigh and Featherstone at the top of the Co-operative Championship table – if they can see off Rovers on Thursday night.

However, Bulldogs coach Karl Harrison must engineer a major change of fortune after successive defeats against York and Leigh. Batley haven’t won since a 36-28 triumph against Halifax on 26 June.

Darren Williams looks set to replace Alex Brown on the Batley wing, while former Hull KR star Ben Cockayne could make his Featherstone debut after joining Daryl Powell’s side on a short-term deal.

Cockayne is set to see out the rest of the season with title-chasing Rovers, and coach Powell believes he can make a major impact.

Powell said: “Ben’s a high quality player who provides great energy and speed to a rugby league team.

“Our outside backs needed an addition with the recent departure of Liam Welham, and Ben is the type of player to add significantly to the squad.”

Victory for Featherstone would put them three points clear at the top of the Co-operative Championship table.