BATLEY BULLDOGS coach Mark Moxon wants other players to step up to the plate after the loss of experienced pair Luke Cooper and Lucas Walshaw to injuries.
Prop Cooper could be out until June due to a torn pectoral (chest) muscle while second rower Walshaw is likely to miss at least two more months with knee ligament damage.
“It’s a setback, because they are both regulars and play big roles for us,” said the coach, whose side were the first of the now 13 Championship clubs to have a bye round and so kicked off their league campaign at Oldham yesterday (Sunday, February 23).
“It’s not ideal, but we have other players who will have a chance to feature more, and we also have our dual-registration with Wakefield to explore.”
Moxon played new recruit Kieren Hepworth, signed from National Conference League Dewsbury Moor, in the Challenge Cup third-round derby win over Dewsbury Rams, and also had Jack Render, brought in from Hunslet, on the field for the first time following his recovery from a detached retina.
“They both did well,” he said.
“Kieren has come in and showed what he’s all about, while Jack had some great touches.
“Because of the nature of his injury, he missed some of pre-season and didn’t play any games before Dewsbury, but he didn’t look too rusty.”
