GOOLE VIKINGS were without last season’s player of the year Josh Guzdek for their season-opener at Keighley on Sunday.
The versatile 30-year-old back had surgery on a troublesome knee issue in the close-season and wasn’t risked.
Coach Scott Taylor was also without prop Jack Coventry due to a hamstring injury suffered in the pre-season defeat to Rochdale, while winger Baily Tait is also sidelined with a serious arm injury.
Going into the Keighley clash, Taylor was happy with where the club is at.
He said: “Nothing is ever perfect at this stage, but we’ve had a strong couple of months and the lads have really bought into what we want to be about as a team.
“Compared to this time last year, I think we’ve made some really positive progress across the group, which is pleasing.”