final chance to earn place in rams’ opener

Stephen Nash has resumed contact work as he strives to return to fitness following injury.

The Rams entertain London Broncos in their final pre-season clash on Sunday (ko 3pm), after which Morrison is hopping to have a much clearer idea on who will figure in the first league game.

Dewsbury kick-off an eagerly anticipated Championship campaign at home to Sheffield Eagles on Friday February 13 and Morrison admits there will be few more opportunities for his squad to stake a claim.

Morrison said: “After Sunday, we will only have three proper training sessions left and I have told the players that they have to stick their hands up if they want to be selected.

“I will pick as strong a side as we have available on Sunday and I know London are bringing a strong squad up too, so it should be a good game.

“I’m still not sure of our team for the first game but hopefully I’ll have a better idea after the weekend.

“The idea was to have some tough friendlies and London are still full-time so will provide a good test.”

Jason Crookes is set to feature against the Broncos after he made a first Rams appearance at Newcastle Thunder last Saturday.

A very young Rams side went down 36-10 in the north east, where Crookes scored one of the tries after he was tempted to join Dewsbury by Morrison.

The former Hull FC centre is continuing to strive to gain full match fitness following a spell on the sidelines.

Prop Stephen Nash continues his rehabilitation from injury and has started contact training, while winger Greg Scott has resumed light running after his season-ending leg injury last May but he is still some way off full fitness.