Ahead of Sunday’s game at home to Batley Bulldogs, let’s take a look at how the squad is shaping up for the game…
After Good Friday’s defeat against high-flying Leigh Centurions, the Vikings are at the DCBL Stadium for the second game running this Sunday when we take on West Yorkshire outfit Batley Bulldogs.
Batley head to Cheshire on the back of a victory in the Heavy Woolen Derby against neighbours Dewsbury Rams at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium. The two sides met in pre-season as part of Danny Craven’s Testimonial where we ran out 24-18 winners heading into the 2022 Championship season.
The team will be working hard to get back to winning ways as we come up against a strong side with a number of quality Championship players on Sunday afternoon.
Longer term absentees Levy Nzoungou and Shane Grady are still progressing with their rehab programme. Shane is on track for a return to running within the next month.
Tyler Dupree still remains out with a hamstring injury. He has returned to running on the field with the club physio and will be looking to get back into action for our trip to the Millennium Stadium to face Featherstone Rovers.
Aaron Brown has returned to running after sustaining a broken toe during training. He is progressing well and will be available for selection within the next couple of weeks.
Danny Craven has also returned to running with the physio and have his running load managed based on symptoms before getting up to high speed running ahead of his return to play.
Club captain Jack Owens has undergone knee surgery which will see him ruled out for two months. He will be supported by the club’s medical staff and strength & conditioning department through his rehab programme before returning to the field.
Jake Spedding is back running on the field after picking up an injury in our away trip to Newcastle Thunder earlier this month. He will be assessed by the medical staff who will determine when to up his running load ahead of getting back into full training.
Ollie Brookes is still suffering from a hamstring issue and will be unavailable for the next couple of weeks at least. He is progressing with the physio and will continue with his rehab programme until he returns to running.
After Good Friday’s clash with Leigh Centurions, Lloyd Roby and Ryan Ince picked up knocks during the game, they will be assessed through the week and the physios will make a decision on them both on whether or not they will be available for the game on the weekend.
Liam Bent sustained a cut to the head which required stitching. He will follow the RFL concussion guidelines over the next 11 days, so will be unavailable for Sunday’s game.
New loan recruit Kieran Dixon will be available to face the Bulldogs, after we announced his signing on an initial two-week loan deal earlier this evening.
The Vikings are looking to get as much support as possible behind us next Sunday as we look to turn our form around as some tough results have followed promising early-season form.
Sunday presents a great chance to do so, and head coach Simon Finnigan has encouraged as many fans as possible to come along and get behind the team as we look to get that win to turn the tide.
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