Lions switch grounds after pitch concerns
SWINTON’S home clash with Batley Bulldogs this weekend will take place at the AJ Bell Stadium amid concerns over the condition of the pitch at Heywood Road.
The Lions’ fixture with Rochdale, scheduled for last Sunday, had to be postponed because of a waterlogged pitch and with the club unsure it would recover sufficiently to host a match this weekend, the decision has been taken to switch the game to the home Salford share with Sale Sharks.
With the Red Devils not in action over the World Club Challenge weekend and Sale playing tomorrow night, no issues are expected that would prevent the tie from taking place.
Elsewhere, South Sydney Rabbitohs have named their 22-man squad for the match against Wigan Warriors in Sydney on Saturday morning.
England internationals Tom and George Burgess are set to feature, but elder brother Sam will play no part as he continues his recovery from his World Cup exploits.
And Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold has talked up Wigan ahead of the clash.
“I just love the idea that we get to play international opposition,” he said.
“To play against guys like Sean O’Loughlin, Sam Tomkins and Thomas Leuluai – they don’t get an opportunity to play against those guys week-in, week-out, especially some of the younger guys.”