Sharp aims to get rid of '˜nasty taste' left by defeat

Rovers travel to Cumbria to take on bottom-club Workington in the Kingstone Press Championship (3pm).

It is the sort of game they will be expected to win, but cautious coach Jon Sharp warned: “Every round there’s a surprise. Teams either take the opposition lightly or they are not quite ready to go.

“We need to be at our best and on our mettle, but it is more about us.

“We were disappointed losing in the 80th minute (to Halifax) last week and that left a bad taste in our mouths.

“We want to get rid of that and it starts on Sunday.”

Bulldogs are away to London Broncos in a key game at the top of the ladder (3pm).

Batley, who lost to lowly Oldham last week, are second, one point and a place above London, but tomorrow’s hosts have a game in hand.

“The outcome is important in the context of the year,” Bulldogs coach John Kear said.

“But for us as a team it is more important we concentrate on the processes.

“It is important we improve from last week and try and set ourselves up for the second half of the season.

“The season is defined over a period of time, rather than one game, but we can certainly right some wrongs and, hopefully, ensure they don’t occur again.”

Rams are at home to Bradford Bulls (3pm), three weeks after stunning the former Super League champions in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

Coach Glenn Morrison’s side are struggling with injuries and he said: “We know we are going to be major underdogs, with the amount of players out.

“We are a part-time team against a full-time one anyway, but we showed a few weeks ago if we play well we can compete with them. We are hoping to do that again.”

A lack of experienced, first-choice props is Morrison’s main concern. He added: “They are a big, strong side. If we don’t stop their roll up the middle we are going to find it hard to get into the game, but the boys who put the shirt on will go out and give it their best shot.”