Northern Rail Cup Preview: Swinton v Doncaster (Thurs, TV)

Correspondent

Swinton Lions coach Gary Chambers is aiming to halt a three-match losing streak in Thursday’s Northern Rail Cup quarter-final.

The Lions have not won since beating North Wales Crusaders in the same competition in mid-May.

Since then they have lost against Dewsbury Rams, Halifax and Batley Bulldogs, but Chambers hopes to be boosted by the return of Richie Hawkyard and James Laithwaite.

Chambers said: “There are some good bodies to come back for us.”

Ian Watson, Darren Hawkyard and Liam Hulme will also be given late fitness tests.

Doncaster coach Tony Miller is aiming to kick on from last week’s stunning 36-24 win at Featherstone.

Miller will check on hooker Nathan Powley (neck) before finalising his team for Thursday’s clash. Kyle Kesik (knee) is definitely ruled out.

Lee Waterman, Liam Kay and Paul Cooke all earned selection in the Premier Sports Team of the Week after their performances on Sunday. Miller will hope for more of the same against the Lions.