Championship round-up - Batley Bulldogs' clash with Oldham is 'must win' says coach

Bulldogs began their season with victory at Halifax in the Betfred Challenge Cup, followed by back-to-back defeats at Featherstone Rovers in the knockout competition and Championship.

Lingard has admitted avoiding relegation is Batley’s first priority and Oldham are likely to be one of their rivals in the dogfight.

“It is about maintaining the standards we have set against the top team,” Lingard said of this afternoon’s game.

“It is a must-win game for us, we need to be beating the teams at home who will be fighting in the same position we are.”

Bulldogs are without Lucas Walshaw and Michael Ward from the side beaten at Rovers in the league.

Luke Hooley, Aiden Ineson, Tom Lillycrop, Dale Morton, Joe Sanderson and George Senior are all vying for a call-up.

Dewsbury Rams could be unchanged for Saturday's trip to Widnes Vikings (5.15pm), following their opening league win over Whitehaven two weeks ago.

Coach Lee Greenwood will select from that side, plus Jamie Greenwood, Bailey Liu, James Beckett and Lewis Carr.

Loui McConnell, who has joined Hunslet on loan and James Harrison drop out of Featherstone Rovers’ squad for Sunday's game at Swinton Lions (12.45pm). Jack Bussey, James Lockwood, Connor Jones and Craig Kopczak are vying to replace them in the 17.

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