LHF Healthplan National League One

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS v ROCHDALE HORNETS

TROUBLED Featherstone have more injuries to contend with ahead of their LHF Healthplan National League One game with the Hornets. Latest casualties for coach Gary Price to contend with are young fullback Craig Moss and on-loan forward Neil Lowe.

Moss suffered a shoulder injury in the Arriva Trains Cup qualifier at York, which could sideline him for up to six weeks, while Lowe, on loan from Salford, has aggravated a knee injury and is likely to be out for a fortnight, according to Price. But with new French signing Frederic Zitter and on-loan Dale Cardoza from Leigh to bolster things, it eases the pressure on Rovers. Richard Newlove also had his four-match suspension reduced by one game following an appeal and now has two matches to serve after this weekend's game.

"That is some consolation for us,'' said Price, who will hand French centre Zitter his debut should he come through training, with experienced Nathan Batty switching to fullback.

"We are still looking for some additions to the pack, because at the moment we are running with the bare minimum,'' said Price.

Rochdale could well give new signing Darren Robinson his head in the front row, provided his contract goes through in time. Hooker Robinson, who left Hornets under a cloud 12 months ago, has since had spells with York, Sheffield and Dewsbury, but he was released by the Rams and has thus made his way back to Hornets.

Trialist Fijian winger Lepani Soro, who made his debut against Whitehaven, is poised to have a further run ahead of his possible signing, while 23-year-old Welsh prop Gareth Price, who is serving a two-match ban from his dismissal against Oldham on Good Friday, has since failed to show up for training and could be in danger of a verbal lashing from coach Bobbie Goulding.

BATLEY BULLDOGS v DONCASTER DRAGONS
RUGGED prop Joe Berry is set to miss the LHF Healthplan National League One crunch match with Doncaster. The Batley front row man has a shoulder injury which coach Gary Thornton fears could rule him out of contention.

"Joe has little chance of making the kick-off, but fortunately Chris Molyneux is ready to return from a sternum injury,'' said Thornton, who expects to field an otherwise unchanged side from that which whipped Keighley Cougars two weeks ago.

Table-toppers Batley, however, will find Doncaster a different proposition, after the Dragons pulled off their third win in a row over top opposition although the Bulldogs did beat Doncaster twice in the Arriva Trains Cup. Doncaster’s cause was not helped when the Rugby League Disciplinary committee this week handed a five-match suspension to prop Gareth Handford.

Handford was cited in a recent match with Hull KR, but the ban has gone down badly with Dragons' coach St John Ellis who indicated that an appeal against the suspension was likely. With Craig Lawton, Martin Ostler and Gareth Lloyd set to return from injury and 22-year-old second row forward Peter Green in line to make his 100th appearance for the club, it should lift Doncaster's spirits for the weekend.

HULL KR v HALIFAX
THE Robins will be minus prop Makali Aizure following his one-match ban, but coach Martin Hall has other worries ahead of the LHF Healthplan National League One clash with possible promotion rivals Halifax. Hall has virtually ruled out halfback Scott Thorburn with a shoulder injury and Paul Pickering (neck), while Anthony Seibold (thigh). Paul Fletcher and Craig Poucher have question marks against their fitness.

"Our players had a weekend off, but most are still struggling with injuries,'' confirmed Hall, who believes that Halifax will offer a stern test.

"They haven't won in the League and we have just lost, so it's all to play for, plus the fact that they have a new caretaker coach in place, it should make for a tight game,'' confirmed Hall.

Halifax could have Wayne Corcoran and Jim Chapman making their return from injury, provided they come through a midweek run-out with the Under 21s. But Alan Hadcroft and Chris Morley have less then 50-50 chances of making the kick-off, according to Football director Paul Dixon.

With the experienced Anthony Farrell in charge following the sacking of coach Tony Anderson, it may just pep up Halifax.

"It's a big challenge for Anthony, but he has got to take it with both hands if he intends to make a go of it,'' said Dixon, who revealed that Aussie Brad Davis may not be with the club until June at the earliest.

"He has agreed to come, but still has commitments with French side Villeneuve,'' said Dixon.

OLDHAM v LEIGH CENTURIONS
UTILITY back Gavin Dodd returns from injury to bolster Oldham's chances against LHF Healthplan National League One favourites Leigh. Dodd has overcome a shoulder injury to force his way back into coach Steve Molloy's plans, but Gavin Johnson (broken leg) and prop Paul Southern (broken hand) are the latest casualties for Oldham.

Winger Nick Johnson is also in danger of missing the start with a hand injury, while prop Martin McLoughlin, sent off in the 28th minute at Doncaster last week, is available for selection. He appears before the Disciplinary Committee next week.

Oldham will want to erase the drubbing they received at the hands of Leigh earlier in the season, while the Centurions' defeat at Whitehaven was a big setback to their plans. With prop Richard Marshall ready to return from a broken thumb and coach Darren Abram expecting an otherwise full compliment, Leigh may well have the edge yet again.

"Oldham have turned their game round since we last played them, so it could be a more evenly fought contest this time,'' said Abram.

WHITEHAVEN v KEIGHLEY COUGARS
ACE playmaker Leroy Joe sits out the last of his four-match suspension as Whitehaven face newly promoted Keighley in their LHF Healthplan National League One game. And with injuries also ruling Super League prospect Gary Broadbent and centre David Seeds out of contention, Cumbrian team boss Steve McCormack has every reason to feel the strain.

"The remainder of the squad are reasonably fit, but we will have to be very careful not to under-estimate Keighley, who look an extremely good side in position,'' said McCormack, who may well shuffle his bench in order to spring a surprise or two.

The Cougars welcome back prop Jason Clegg and halfback Craig Nipperess, but hopes that Danny Ekis, James Rushforth, Richard Mervill and Lee Patterson will be fit remain in some considerable doubt. Thus coach Gary Moorby feels he may well hand promising 19-year-old prop Eddie Wilson another chance to shine, while teenagers Adam Webster, Matt Steel and Chris Roe could also hold onto their positions for a further game.

"We were delighted with the way all our young players performed at Barrow last week. They all deserve another chance and may well get one if the experienced players fail to return to fitness,'' said an anxious Moorby.

LHF Healthplan National League Two

SATURDAY

LONDON SKOLARS v DEWSBURY RAMS
THE Skolars are aiming for their first back-to-back victories since joining the professional ranks and see the visit of lowly Dewsbury as their ideal opportunity. Having picked up their first LHF Healthplan National League Two points of the campaign with their first away win at Gateshead, coach Alex Smits feels it is well within their compass.

"We would like to at least consolidate our position, if not add to it,'' he said. With centre Donny Lam in a race against time to overcome an injury and ex-Doncaster centre Austin Aggrey set to make his club debut, Skolars are on track for a repeat performance.

Dewsbury are still struggling to find some consistency and will be hampered by the loss of the experience Graham Law. Kevin Crouther and Billy Kershaw both have shoulder injuries, which could keep them out of contention, leaving coach Andy Kelly to name a 19-man squad for the trip.

"This will be a difficult game for us and while I don't expect to see any significant changes to the team, I am still hoping to find some on-loan players before the weekend,'' he said.

SUNDAY

BARROW RAIDERS v HUNSLET HAWKS
ROBUST prop Wayne Jones may well have played his last game for Barrow after breaking his arm for a second time. Coach Peter Roe has ruled Jones out possibly for the remainder of the LHF Healthplan National League Two season and questions whether he will even play again after he sustained the injury in the ATC qualifier against Keighley Cougars.

"Wayne will need to have the injury plated through surgery and that questions his comeback,'' revealed Roe, who has Adam Pate and Tama Wakelin back from injury as some compensation.

Hunslet are likely to hand new signings Andy Burland and Danny Evans their first starts for the club. Coach Roy Sampson snapped up prop forward Burland after being released by York City Knights following a trial period, while the vastly experienced second rower Evans is on loan from Batley Bulldogs.

This will be Evans' second spell on loan at Hunslet. He had a short stay under former coach Steve Ferres seven years ago. Chris Ross is also back from a three-match ban, while George Rayner is fit again to give coach Sampson a few extra options in the backs, but winger Chris Hall is doubtful with a rib injury.

CHORLEY LYNX v GATESHEAD THUNDER
NEW forward signing Andy Grundy will make his debut for Chorley in their LHF Healthplan National League Two clash with Gateshead. Grundy is in his second spell with the Lynx club and joins them after Rochdale ended his contract at the end of the Arriva Trains Cup campaign.

"Andy strengthens the front row and will make a big difference to us,'' confirmed coach Mark Lee, who hopes also to have ex-Warrington, London and Wigan ace Rob Smyth back from injury. Centre Bryan Capewell is back in the fold after his peace-making exercise, but he may not squeeze into this week's team plans, but youngster Chris Ramsdale is expected to hold onto the number six jersey following his fine performance against Sheffield Eagles.

Gateshead have winger Robin Peers making his 50th appearance for the club, but coach Seamus McCallion has yet to finalise his team. He has yet to consider Craig Fisher's bid to win a move off the bench and try to halt Thunder's 21-match run without a win at the same time.

SWINTON LIONS v WORKINGTON TOWN
LEAGUE leaders Swinton have doubts with halfbacks Safraz Patel and Mick Coates for their LHF Healthplan National League Two clash with Workington.

Coates, who has been handed permission by his signed club Leigh Centurions to stay at Swinton on loan for the remainder of the season, has a shoulder injury, which could leave coach Paul Kidd with a halfback problem.

"We need to see if either Mick or Safraz are able to play before we can formulate any plans for the Workington game,'' confirmed Kidd, who should have Aussie prop Mark Pembroke back from injury.

Workington welcome playmaker Tane Manihera for his first game for the club this season. He has been released by rugby union club Wigton to complete his move to Town, while utility forward David Petit returns from a broken thumb.

"Tane is a quality player who will do us the power of good,'' said coach Gerard Stokes, who is minus halfback Brett Smith with a knee strain.

YORK CITY KNIGHTS v SHEFFIELD EAGLES
SECOND row forward Darren Callaghan is in danger of missing York's home game with Sheffield Eagles. But winger Alex Godfrey and halfback Dan Briggs look set to make their comeback in this LHF Healthplan National League Two confrontation.

Coach Richard Agar is still smarting from the Knights' shock home defeat to Hunslet two weeks ago, albeit that they went on to knock Featherstone Rovers out of the Arriva Trains Cup competition.

"It was a blow to our confidence losing to Hunslet,'' said Agar, who could also have Tom Andrews sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Sheffield, one of four unbeaten clubs at the top of League Two, bring Welsh winger Aled Jones, Alex Dickinson and Richard Stone into their team plans, according to coach Mark Aston. Experienced winger Bright Sodje is also in with a chance of making the squad following his recovery from a broken hand.

"We have prepared very well for this game and fully expect a massive challenge from York,'' said Aston.

LHF Healthplan National League Three

BRADFORD DUDLEY HILL v HEMEL STAGS
DUDLEY Hill coach Stuart Tighe has lined up an extremely young side with just a touch of experience for their opening LHF Healthplan National League Three campaign.

Among the newcomers are the ex-Bradford Bulls Academy brothers Paul and Victor Tordoff, who figure at hooker and loose forward respectively, while former Doncaster and Welsh international winger Jason Lee could be named at fullback.

But experienced scrum half Chris Robinson will miss the opening few games, according to coach Tighe, who struggled to name a strong side for the opening match.

Hemel, coached by ex-Hunslet Academy stand off Ben Wyknon, have several new faces in their line-up with two players returning to the club from London Skolars. Scott Roberts, grandson of former Halifax, Salford and Great Britain international prop Ken Roberts will play at stand off with Jimmy Daines in the centre.

Ex-Great Britain Student tourist Matt Cannon will also line-up in the centre, while newcomer Andy Champ, who travels from Dorset for training, is at hooker.

BRAMLEY BUFFALOES v SHEFFIELD HILLSBOROUGH HAWKS
NEWCOMERS Bramley, with only two competitive games under their belt, have ex-Dewsbury halfback Darren Collins skippering the side in their opening LHF Healthplan National League Three game.

Former Hunslet prop Richard Greenwood lines up in the front row, while Andrew Wormald, a Scottish Under 19s Student player is in the second row. Coach Phil Halliwell, the ex-Bradford Bulls player, has also named former Castleford flier Frank Wilson on the wing.

Sheffield have several new faces in their line-up with ex-Teeside Steelers full back John Birt, Great Britain Student international Jon Nicholls at halfback and Lionheart International Graham Batty at centre.

Coached by Jason Davidson, who is also on the staff with Tetley’s Super League side Huddersfield Giants, the Hawks, however, will be minus hooker Peter Russo with a damaged shoulder.

CARLISLE CENTURIONS v BIRMINGHAM BULLDOGS
THE Centurions will depend on a strong Carlisle connection for their opening LHF Healthplan National League Three match with the Bulldogs.

Having lost their two star players, Craig and Martin Stalker to National League Two side Workington, coach Colin Armstrong will have his work cut out to rebuild his side. But ex-Gateshead prop James Mackay and Scottish rugby union front rower Martin McGimpsey are among those Armstrong will look to for big games.

The Bulldogs, coach by ex-Oldham assistant Haydn Walker, have Aussie loose forward Adam Cawley making his club debut, but last season's top try scorer Eral Anderson is unavailable. Prop Matt Baines, who ran in 13 tries last season, is also missing with a knee injury.

GATESHEAD STORM v ST ALBANS CENTURIONS
LAST gasp entrants to the LHF Healthplan National League Three Gateshead, will look to player coach Rob Jones for their inspiration against St Albans.

Centre Las Madsen misses the opening game with a shoulder injury, but Mitch Andrews returns at loose forward, while hooker Liam Wood faces a late fitness test.

St Albans have three players making their National League Three debuts. Aussie prop Aaron Kwong, standoff Dave Harries and centre Dean Miller have all been named in coach Peter Tonkin's side.

MANCHESTER KNIGHTS v SOUTH LONDON STORM
THE Knights have made wholesale changes for the opening game in the LHF Healthplan National League Three against South London. Former Folly Lane foursome Paul Salisbury, brother Lee Salisbury, Paul Brown and Paul Owens are in coach Craig Howson's plans, but last season's top try scorer Danny Atherton will make limited appearances for the club after joining the Police.

Martin Fitton will fill in for him at standoff. South London have several new players worthy of note. Centre Jessy Quansah; standoff John Ferguson and prop Matt Clark are in coach Daryl Pitts' plans, while Matt Shaw is also making his club debut.

"We have strengthened our squad from last season and hope to improve our position'' said coach Pitt.

WARRINGTON WOLSTON ROVERS v ESSEX EELS
GRAND final winners Woolston line-up as favourites for the LHF Healthplan National League Three title, with Lee Rushton and Liam Harrigan both returning to the club. Club skipper is loose forward Chris Mellor, but top try scorer last season John Cole misses the game because he is currently playing in Australia.

Coached by long-serving Eddie Harris, the Warrington side are hoping to remain top dogs yet again.

Essex have former London Skolars prop Stuart Hogg as their coach and he predicts a busy time ahead. With 14 players on the injured list and nine others unavailable he will be hard-pressed to name a strong side as yet.

However, Hogg has Andy Hirst, an ex-England Students player at stand off with promising 20-year-old Graham Richmond at centre and exciting 19-year-old flier Tyson Lewis on the wing.

SUNDAY

HUDDERSFIELD UNDERBANK RANGERS v COVENTRY BEARS
RANGERS test new waters in their first LHF Healthplan National League Three match of the season. This will be their first Sunday game and the club's officials are hoping for a big response from the fans.

The Bears, however, are set to announce a big new sponsorship with a local Coventry company ahead of their move to the new headquarters at Bakers Butts. Aussie coach Troy Perkins reports that their recruitment drive has also gone well on the player front.