Preview: Batley v Widnes

Correspondent

Kyle Wood and Josh Griffin could both return to the Batley line up after missing last week’s Carnegie Challenge Cup clash with Siddal.

The pair were not released by their parent club Huddersfield but Harrison will be hoping to have them back on board in time for Sunday’s fixture, particularly after Ian Preece was ruled out for three months with a broken hand.

Lee Greenwood could also return for the Bulldogs, having missed last week’s game due to his coaching responsibilities with Siddal.

Widnes boss Paul Cullen continues to battle against a horrific injury list as he prepares for his side’s second game in 72 hours.

The Vikings take on Lezignan in the Carnegie Challenge Cup on Thursday night before their already stretched squad must revitalise itself for Sunday’s Co-operative Championship challenge at Batley.

Mark Smith (broken cheekbone), Gareth Haggerty and Steve Pickersgill are definitely missing while a number of players are also struggling.

Cullen said: “I’ve experienced many an injury crisis, but nothing on the scale of what we’re going through at the moment.”