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BATTLE OF THE BIG CATS – LIONS VERSUS COUGARS!

05 August 2023

TEAM NEWS AHEAD OF DOUBLE-HEADER

Following last weekend’s gut-wrenching last second defeat, further sad new comes in the shape of serious injuries suffered by half-back Will Roberts and hooker Josh Eaves at Newcastle. Both will miss the rest of the season, and indeed could be out for some considerable time.

Will was set to make his fourth DR appearance of the season against Keighley on Sunday (3pm), whilst Josh had been in excellent and consistent form throughout 2023. The best wishes of everyone connected with the Lions are of course extended to both players, and Will and Josh, together with their families, have been invited as special guests to our game against Keighley.

In more positive news, as we await the arrival of Keighley Cougars to Heywood Road, is that our eagerness in the loan market ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline has enabled us to find exciting replacements for Will and Josh.

Half-back Rob Butterworth from Wakefield Trinity, and hooker Cain Robb from Castleford Tigers are likely to feature. This pair were signed on loan deals on Thursday, as were Wakefield’s forward Dane Windrow, and the Hunslet hooker Nathan Conroy.

With Matty Foster available on DR from St Helens, and everyone else reporting fit from last week with the exception of the two mentioned above, it means Head Coach Allan Coleman will have the luxury of a selection headache, for what is quite clearly an extremely important game against the Cougars.

Mike Butt scored his 100th try for the Lions last week up in the north-east, to become only the 13th player in our entire history to achieve this fantastic milestone. Let’s hope he can start on his second century with immediate effect!

To make it a fantastic day of Rugby League at Heywood Road, there is also a Women’s Championship match between our Lionesses and Sheffield Eagles to enjoy (midday kick-off).

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