Bulldogs ready for York battle

Batley Bulldogs coach John Kear will assess his squad before finalising his team to face York City Knights in Sunday's Co-operative Championship clash.

Johnny Walker and Chris Buttery are both ruled out, while James Green will serve a one-match ban, but Kear has no new injuries from last week's victory over Dewsbury.

Kear said: "York will be a lot better for the year they've just had, although it probably doesn't feel that way to Chris Thorman and his players at the moment.

"They'll get the dividends of this year, next year, but they're still a challenge now. If you've got people like Paul King and Chris Thorman available, you're going to be challenged."

York coach Thorman has doubts over the fitness of Jack Lee (ankle) and Tom Bush (elbow).

He said: "There's a higher chance Tom will play than Jack, but we'll give them both until the last minute."

Thorman admitted to being 'angry' with his side following last week's 44-12 defeat at Halifax, but insists his view has since changed.

He said: "Having had time to reflect, I was probably a bit harsh, because in reality we had a number of our under-18s in the squad.

"We had an inexperienced side and they did well to stick with Halifax for as long as they did. The young lads are improving and they'll be better for this experience."

On Batley, he added: "They're another really strong side in the Championship.

"It's a very tough place to play, and it doesn't matter who you are; Super League teams go there in the Challenge Cup and always have a difficult time, so we'll have to focus."