Workington Town coach Anthony Murray has backed the introduction of a dual registration scheme with the National Conference League.
Murray said today: “Provided it’s managed properly I think it is a very good idea.
“At the end of the day it’s all about getting lads playing rugby league and if this helps give more game time then I’m all in favour.
“We have a sprinkling of players we have brought in from the community game and this is a good way to keep them involved if they are not getting the game time in League One.
“It’s been a [policy of the club to keep it as local as possible and we have signed players from the likes of Distington, Seaton, Kells, Millom and Ulverston.
“I stress again – provided it’s managed properly I think it’s an excellent idea. We haven’t had any requests yet from clubs but once the Conference season starts we will be open to the possibility.”
Murray is preparing his side for a difficult trip to Batley Bulldogs in the third round of the Challenge Cup on Sunday.
Definitely out from the side which lost to Barrow a fortnight ago are skipper Stevie Scholey (dead leg) and Jake Lightowler who has his foot in a special protective boot.
Jake Bradley who took a knock to his knee in that game is reckoned to be 50-50.
Murray said: “It’s going to be a tough challenge for us against a team who have constantly been up the higher end of the Championship.
“I think in some ways they have been a team who have consistently punched above their weight in the Championship and they are very good at home.
“I took positives from the game against Barrow, where there was a step-up from the previous fixture with Widnes and we have been working on areas of our game where I think we can improve.”
Blain Marwood and Grant Reid, who did not figure against Barrow, will be included this time.
The Town squad for Batley is: Blain Marwood, Carl Forber, Chris Taylor, Ciaran Walker, Connor Saunders, Dave Eccleston, Ethan Bickerstaff, Grant Reid, Jack Stephenson, Jake Bradley, Jarrad Sammut, Jason Mossop, JJ Key, Johnny Hutton, Jordan Burns, Jordan Thomson, Luke Charlton, Malik Steele, Matty Henson, Sean Croston, Tyler Walton.
