Henderson ready for backlash from Kear’s Batley

London Broncos coach Andrew Henderson is expecting a big test when his team welcome Batley Bulldogs to the Trailfinders Sports Club this weekend.

The Broncos’ clash with Whitehaven was postponed last week, which Henderson feels has benefitted his players.

“After the tough Easter period there were a couple of blokes who would have been taking some niggles into that game,” he said.

“It’s that time of year when you’re feeling it a bit more because you’ve played four games in two weeks. So in hindsight it’s probably helped a few guys get over those niggles and freshen them up coming into this week.

“Batley have really come together and been performing well; they’ve beaten some good teams and been playing some good football.

“I think they’ll be disappointed with last week at Oldham and the manner in which they were beaten. They will certainly be looking for a response this week. We’re aware of that, we know the threats that they pose.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re physically and mentally ready, which I think we are. I’m looking forward to testing ourselves against a really good side and being back home in front of our own fans. It should be a quality game.”

Batley, meanwhile, are stinging after a surprise defeat 28-12 defeat at Oldham, which followed two back-to-back victories over Easter.

Bulldogs coach John Kear is hoping for a reaction from his players.

“I think you’ve got to respect and acknowledge what the opposition brought to the party,” he said.

“Oldham played really well, they were better than us in the vast majority of departments. It’s made us re-focus on certain aspects of our play.

“We’ve got to go down to a very good London side, who are unbeaten in the league at home, play on a 4G pitch and see what we can come up with.

“I’ve been very pleased at how the players have responded in training, which is a big plus point, but what really matters is how they perform in the game and that’s the question we’ll find out on Sunday afternoon.”