Halifax Panthers vs Batley Bulldogs: Challenge Cup First Round preview

The Rugby League season starts this weekend with the first round of the Betfred Challenge Cup. Halifax Panthers take on Yorkshire rivals Batley Bulldogs at the Shay Stadium, in the sides’ first competitive game in over a year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

After a long period of no games both clubs were able to take to the field last weekend in pre-season friendlies. The Panthers finished their pre-season with a hard-fought victory against Oldham, whilst the Bulldogs have had two warmup games. They fell short against Dewsbury Rams and were well beaten against a strong Featherstone side last Saturday.

Team News

The home side have close to a full strength squad to pick from with the only absentees Ben Kavanagh and Sion Jones. Both continue their recovering from long term injuries and are close to a return to action.

The Panthers have recruited well in the off season, with a handle of players set to make their competitive debuts. Greg Worthington, Gadwin Springer, Amir Bourouh, Zack McComb, Connor Robinson, Liam Harris, Sam Hewitt, Nick Rawsthorne, Ben Tibbs and Dan Murray.

The Bulldogs have a number of former Halifax players in their squad including Wayne Rettle, Ben White, Dane Manning, Anthony Bowman, Ben Kaye, Tom Gilmore and Jodie Broughton. All are set to face their old club this weekend, in the hope the Bulldogs can come away from the Shay Staadium with their first win since 2016.

Simon Grix and Craig Lingard will be hoping their sides can start the season with a victory, progressing to the next round of the Challenge cup. The winner will face either fellow Yorkshire sides Featherstone Rovers or Bradford Bulls in the next round.

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