PRE-SEASON games at Dewsbury Rams and Swinton Lions have been cancelled due to unfit pitches.

The two Championship sides were due to take on youthful opposition from Super League sides Bradford Bulls and St Helens respectively on Saturday afternoon.

On the morning of the games, following freezing overnight temperatures, surfaces at both the FLAIR Stadium and Heywood Road were deemed to be unplayable.

Four of the weekend’s pre-season games have now been called off, following Castleford Tigers’ tie with Oldham – which was also due to take place on Saturday – and Sunday’s game between Batley Bulldogs and Sheffield Eagles.

Three more Challenge Cup first-round ties were written off on Saturday morning, joining the three pre-emptively postponed on Friday.

Dewsbury and Swinton now turn to the start of their Championship seasons next Sunday (January 18), when the Rams travel to Hunslet and the Lions host Rochdale Hornets.

Bradford’s first team, preparing for their return to Super League, are still set to be in action on Sunday away at Doncaster.

The Bulls also play on Saturday, January 24 at Leeds Rhinos, the same day Saints have their sole remaining pre-season game at home to Castleford Tigers for their prop Matty Lees’ testimonial.