Batley boss Craig Lingard loves how no one gives his side a chance in their bid for Super League.
He’s seen it all before with people writing off his Championship part-timers at their peril. But they have again defied the odds - and opponents with far bigger budgets - to set up today’s Grand Final decider at huge favourites Leigh Centurions. Remarkably, having dumped out Barrow and then stunned big-spending Featherstone, they stand just 80 minutes away from the elite.
Leaders Leigh have a star-studded squad, including ex-Kangaroos winger Blake Ferguson, former England wideman Josh Charnley and newly-crowned Championship player of the year Edwin Ipape. It’s little wonder Batley have a 38 point start with title sponsors Betfred. Lingard admitted: “Nobody’s giving us a chance. It’s a free hit for us. We know the size of the task but we’ll be doing the best we can and use our strengths.
