Palfrey, Gee get nod to lead again

NOTE: The Keighley game on Sunday kicks off at 2pm and NOT 2.30pm as stated in Friday's Chronicle.

COACH Scott Naylor has confirmed that Lewis Palfrey and Sammy Gee will continue to shoulder extra responsibility as captain and vice-captain in the Championship campaign from next month.

In his three seasons as Roughyeds boss, the former Bradford Bulls centre has demonstrated a firm belief in stability and consistency.

His decision to stick with Palfrey’s leadership skills and Gee’s enthusiasm as second in command will come as no surprise to supporters. Seventeen of the 21 players who will put in an appearance in the opening tryout against Keighley will need no introduction to fans, the exceptions being winger Jamel Chisholm from York, half-back Danny Grimshaw (Hunslet), prop Jack Spencer (Halifax) and back-row man Craig Briscoe (Barrow), all signed to stiffen the squad for Championship rugby.

Said Naylor: “Each of the new signings will get a run at some stage. It’s been agreed with Keighley that I can play all 21 so that’s the plan. Everybody is fit and ready to go; no problems, no injuries, no issues.”

While Chisholm, Grimshaw, Spencer and Briscoe will be keen to show up well on debut, forward Will Hope will also be anxious to come through strongly after looking good in his three games for Roughyeds at the end of last season.