So, what might we face tomorrow (01/03/09) ... : Sat Feb 28, 2009 5:31 pm
... Home v Swinton Lions (Northern Rail Cup)
After a disappointing 2008, Swinton Head Coach Paul Kidd set about bolstering his squad with some experience.
The most eye-catching signing being that of former Leeds, Salford, Doncaster and Halifax stand off Graham Holroyd. It is however unlikely that Holroyd will be risked tomorrow following a recent knee injury.
The two half backs on display tomorrow could still both be former Doncaster players as Holroyds replacement could well be the experienced Martin Moana who has had two spells with the Dons and his likely half back partner is a former Doncaster loanee Gary Hulse who has just returned from minor knee surgery. The familiarity continues as a further half back option is Paul Crook another former Doncaster half back. Former junior Kiwi Matt Ashe is another making his way back from injury.
Experienced full back Wayne English has not featured in the Northern Rail Cup but alternatives are Richie Hawkyard and Darren Bamford. Hawkyard signed from Bradford Bulls in 2007 after covering for Paul Deacon three times that year can operate at half back or full back. Bamford was recruited from Salford City Reds.
In the three quarters, the options would appear to be recent signing Andy Saywell (ex Rochdale), Barry Hamilton (another former City Red), Dave Hull (a youngster from St Helens), Carl Sneyd (ex Oldham and Rochdale) and yet another former Doncaster player Marlon Billy. Centre Dean Gorton (also ex Doncaster) is sidelined for 3 months following shoulder surgery.
The drive to recruit experience also resulted in the arrival at Park Lane of prop forward and new club captain Paul Southern and his colleague from Halifax Danny Heaton who is likely to be used in the second row. Further experience was added in the shape of second row forward Mike Wainwright who boasts Super League appearances for both Warrington Wolves and Salford City Reds.
Other props likely to be named are Gareth Hayes, Bruce Johnson and Dave Newton who have all had game-time in the Lions NR Cup fixtures. Adam Bibey, Rob Line and Chris Tyrer, the latter ex St Helens are other candidates.
Phil Wood (ex Widnes Vikings) and Alex McClurg from St Helens academy are likely to be rotated at Hooker.
Further Second Row options include Neil Rigby and Tommy Grundy, the latter signed for 2009 from Oldham. Craig Ashall will almost certainly start at loose forward if Moana is utilised at stand off.
