Batley Bulldogs: Kear centres focus on the loan market following injuries to key personnel

Bulldogs, who are second in the Kingstone Press Championship, face being without Chris Ulugia for up to six weeks due to a broken hand.

And with Shaun Squires also on the long-term casualty list, coach John Kear is considering dipping into the loan market for a replacement centre.

Ulugia underwent surgery yesterday after suffering a broken hand in last Saturday’s dramatic 37-36 win over Whitehaven in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

“He will be out for six weeks from the date of the operation,” Kear said. “We’re also without Shaun Squires, so we have two centres missing at the moment. We will have a look at the loan market, but we have got to get through the Easter period.”

Bulldogs visit neighbours Dewsbury Rams on Friday and play host to Whitehaven – for the second time in 10 days – on Easter Monday.

“Shaun has a knee ligament problem and he’s been out since the Featherstone game, so he has missed five weeks already,” Kear added. “We expect him back next month, probably around the same time as Chris, but until then we’ve got to make do and mend.”

Kear was pleased with Bulldogs’ attacking performance in the Cup tie, but admitted they need a big improvement in defence.