Wright looking for convincing performance

Martin Ostler (hamstring), Nathan Mossop (shoulder) and Jamie Thackray (ankle) remain sidelined for Barrow Raiders.

But new coach Nigel Wright believes his side are capable of building on last week’s 42-16 win over York with another convincing performance against Batley Bulldogs.

Wright said: “We’re changing a couple of things as we go, but we’re moving in the right direction.

“We could have come away with a win against Leigh, and we backed that up with a proper performance against York.

“It’s still nowhere near where I reckon this group of players can get to, but you can’t go running before you walk.”

Raiders could also play “a couple” of debutants as Wright works to complete transfer deals before Saturday’s match.

“Hopefully we might get a couple in by the weekend,” said Wright. “I’ll be very disappointed if we don’t.”

Batley coach Karl Harrison steered his team to a 38-12 win over Hunslet last week, but he will be forced to make at least one change for Saturday’s trip to Barrow.

Ash Lindsay was given a two-match ban at Tuesday’s RFL disciplinary hearing, although Harrison is boosted by the news that none of his squad suffered injuries against the Hawks.

Harrison said: “All the guys who came in (against Hunslet) played very well and staked a claim for a spot against Barrow on Saturday.”