Preview: Swinton Lions v Dewsbury Rams

Winger Freddie Walker looks set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering ankle ligament damage against York City Knights, but Swinton Lions coach Ian Watson is hopeful that both Josh Barlow and Luke Menzies will be fit to face Dewsbury Rams on Sunday.

Chris Atkin is unavailable after being selected for England Students and Anthony Bowman will face a fitness test on an Achilles problem, but Mark Thomas should return.

Watson said: “Dewsbury are doing really well. They’re a good team that’s working hard. Their pack is big and strong, and Shane Grady and Karl Pryce are a strong centre pairing. We’ll have to be ready come Sunday.”

Dewsbury coach Glenn Morrision is reeling from the news that Aaron Brown could miss the rest of the season.

Brown suffered a knee injury against Wigan Warriors last week.

Morrision said: “He’s had a scan and we’re waiting on the results. He’s definitely done his lateral ligaments, but we’re just keeping our fingers crossed that it’s not his ACL, because that would be his season done. The best case scenario is a minimum of eight weeks out.”

Ryan Wright and Kieran Hyde both face fitness tests ahead of a game Morrison is refusing to take for granted.

Morrison said: “Swinton have only had one win, but their losses have been really tight. They’re going to be tough opponents because they keep going for 80 minutes and you don’t know who’s going to be playing.”