Harrison replaces Thornton in Batley hot seat

Batley have parted company with head coach Gary Thornton and appointed Karl Harrison as his replacement.

The Bulldogs were thrashed at home to Toulouse on Easter Monday and it was the final straw for Thornton, who has spent six years in charge of his hometown club.

A club statement said: “It is with regret that the club has to announce that Gary Thornton has today (Tuesday) resigned as Batley Bulldogs Head Coach.

“Chairman Kevin Nicholas has moved swiftly to ensure a temporary replacement and former Salford City Reds coach Karl Harrison will take over as caretaker coach with immediate effect, for a period of one month.”