LIONS COUNT COST OF BRUTAL DERBY MATCH

03 August 2022

The Lions will have to do it tough this coming weekend against table-topping Keighley Cougars, after incurring more injuries during the impressive 53-22 victory over Rochdale Hornets last Sunday.

Lewis Hatton is set to miss out owing to concussion protocol, whilst fellow forward Billy Brickhill will also be absent following a heavy challenge at Hornets.

Jayden Hatton, who played on the wing to cover the already absent Richard Lepori and Mike Butt, was also injured at Rochdale, and is now likely to be on the sidelines for at least a couple of weeks.

Mike Butt has still not recovered from the heavy fall he sustained in the recent match against Midlands Hurricanes, but there is some hope that Richard Lepori will return against Keighley.

To cap a frustrating week for the club, Widnes Vikings have today recalled Brad Holroyd from his loan spell, but that should provide an opportunity for fellow loanee Max Kirkbright.

Added to long-term absentee Luke Waterworth, as well as Lewis Charnock who damaged a knee at Cornwall recently, the Lions will certainly need to dig in deep against the unbeaten Cougars. The Swinton will therefore be looking for a repeat performance from their fans, who were absolutely outstanding at Rochdale.

Lions’ CEO Steve Wild said, “With the exception of Luke, we’d had a reasonably fair run as far as injuries are concerned, but all of a sudden we’ve been heavily affected. Obviously our Head Coach Allan Coleman would like to bring a player or two in, but in the current climate, and the lack of availability, it’s just not that simple. On Sunday we are now likely to have 7 players missing who would probably have been strong contenders for a starting place, but as they say one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity. The spirit in the camp is fantastic, as proven by recent performances, and I’m sure the lads who step up will do us proud. Hopefully over the next couple of weeks we’ll get some bodies back. In the meantime I’m sure our supporters will understand where we’re at, and will get behind the Lions as they did so brilliantly at Cornwall and Rochdale.”