Championship preview round-up - big games in store for Batley Bulldogs at Newcastle Thunder and Dewsbury Rams against York City Knights

Bulldogs travel to Newcastle Thunder on Sunday (12.45pm) on the back of successive big home wins over Oldham and Widnes Vikings and boss Craig Lingard reckons it’s crucial they show the same attitude in the north east.

“Newcastle are unbeaten at home,” Lingard pointed out.

“We know we can’t switch off - if we don’t work hard for each other and do the stuff we have been doing then we are going to get beat.

“Looking at the results so far across the division, if you have an off day then you are going to get turned over. It is about hard work and making sure you are doing the little things right.”

Rams’ two-game winning run was ended by Bradford Bulls last weekend.

They are at home to York City Knights on Sunday (7.30pm) and coach Lee Greenwood stressed: “The quality of opposition has gone up each week - from Whitehaven to Widnes to Bradford and now to York.

“The games don’t get easier and that means we have to be better. “We have to take heart from the second half [last week] and some positives.

“We know we weren’t good enough in the first half, but we fixed some bits up at half-time and improved in the second half.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.