Warm weather camp for Halifax

Halifax RLFC have taken their preparations to a new level by flying out to Murcia for a five-day warm-weather training camp ahead of Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup fixture with Batley.

Last week’s game against Whitehaven was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, meaning Halifax have had all week to train without having any recovery period to factor into their schedule.

Coach Matt Calland said: “We should be better prepared for the Batley game as a result.”

Mike Ratu (broken arm) and Adam Rudd (shoulder) are definitely out for Halifax, while Lee Paterson (ankle) is also doubtful. Bob Beswick should be fit.

Injured Batley pair Adam Robinson and Chris Buttery are closing in on a return to action.

Jason Walton will not feature on Sunday as he serves the final week of a two-match suspension.

Last week’s 60-6 against Gateshead looked impressive on paper, but Bulldogs coach Karl Harrison was far from impressed.

He said: “We’re a million miles off where we should be with the ball. For whatever reason, we’re not gelling with the ball in hand.

“I’ve set the team and myself really high standards this season. We need to improve ten-fold to compete with Halifax.”