The unlucky Simpson, who missed only four games in the last two seasons, went over on an ankle in the pre-match warm-up against Leeds Met last Sunday and was withdrawn from the squad. He has chipped a bone in his ankle, an awkward injury for such a big man, and will be out for six or seven weeks.
With fellow prop Anthony Henderson not having played this time because of a shoulder injury, the Bulldogs are without two of the biggest members of their pack.
One of the Huddersfield Giants trio, Josh Griffin, is also out injured but coach Karl Harrison said he would probably include another of them, Kyle Wood, on the subs' bench.
This is a big challenge for the Bulldogs and both the home supporters and Sky TV will be hoping there is a repeat of last season's thrilling televised fixture at The Mount when Batley beat Halifax in an outstanding game 32-28, courtesy of a late try by centre Danny Maun.
All the signs are this will be another high-scoring encounter – since Halifax came down from Super League in 2003, the other scores have been 32-34, 8-58, 6-26, 26-34 and 20-39.
For the only time so far this season, Batley did not impress in their other league fixture, losing 36-10 at Featherstone, a display, which unusually brought harsh words from Harrison regarding some of the performances and the Bulldogs will not want to start with two defeats from their opening two games and having to chase.
But their coach remarked: "We have still only lost one game and if we hit our usual form we will test anyone. Halifax are a very good side, perhaps the best in the division, and with strong Super League ambitions. We have to try and match them."
Tommy Gallagher came in at prop in the Challenge Cup spree against Leeds Met last Sunday and impressed Harrison and he was also pleased with the form of John Gallagher at loose forward, which suggests they will keep their places.
Harrison added: "We prepared very well and did alright but I felt the scoreline perhaps flattered us. We did the job and Leeds Met showed a lot of courage.
"It's always nice to be in the television limelight and I hope we can play as well as we did last time but we have to deliver now."
Scrum-half Gareth Moore put himself in the record books at the club with his tally of 30 points last Sunday from two tries and 11 goals. He joins on that mark Simon Wilson, who scored a try and landed 13 goals against Leigh on March 6, 1995.
Moore looks to have taken over the No 7 and goalkicking roles in good style from Paul Mennell as Batley continue to be fortunate with scrum-halves.