BATLEY BULLDOGS coach James Ford believes he has the ideal antidote to the club’s front-row misfortune.
Grim circumstances have already robbed Batley of both the props who were given starting shirt numbers ahead of the season.
Adam Gledhill retired in late January without making an appearance, citing increased demands from his other job.
And Luke Cooper has stepped away from rugby to support his wife as she undergoes treatment for breast cancer.
Between them that pair had made almost 500 career appearances, but Cooper’s departure has coincided with the arrival of Ronan Dixon, who joined following the liquidation of the old Halifax.
The 28-year-old played 101 times under Ford at York before spells with Dewsbury then Halifax.
He made his debut in Cooper’s farewell game, a 54-6 home victory over Swinton which gave Batley their first league points of the year at the fourth time of asking.
Ford said of Dixon: “He is a big, powerful middle forward who can promote the ball as well.
“He had a fantastic attitude in his time at York and I’m confident he’ll be a great boost to our culture.”