Bramald and Kear looking for players to stake a claim in derby

Bulldogs and neighbours Dewsbury Rams both begin their Kingstone Press Championship season a week tomorrow, but Hawks’ first competitive fixture is at home to York City Knights in the iPro Sport Cup on February 21.

Hawks impressed for spells at Featherstone last week and Bramald said: “This game gives me an opportunity to look at the rest of the squad.

“There’ll be quite a few changes, so it’s chance for some other players to put their hand up and show me they are ready.”

Bulldogs boss John Kear said: “I’ve still got some questions to be answered with regards to selection for next week, so it’s an ideal opportunity for people to put their hands up. I’ve got 13 of the 17 sorted in my head, but I’ve still got a couple of starting positions and a couple of subs positions I am debating about.

“Also, we’ve got new players in pivotal positions at six, seven and nine and they need to get used to playing with us and we need to get used to playing with them.”

Rams are at home to London Broncos tomorrow (3pm). Coach Glenn Morrison said: “With the money they’ve spent and being full-time, London will be aiming to be in the top-four. If we want to be at the top end of the table we have got to be competing with teams like this, so it will be a good indicator.”