It's a game the Bulldogs must win if they are to raise their hopes of climbing away from the foot of the table and the highly-rated Thomas, a product of Dewsbury Moor, is on loan for a month as he seeks to gain first team experience.
He is said to have plenty of pace and can help lift things in the middle of the field with his sharp supporting play.
There could also be a return for forwards Andy Spink and Mark Toohey as Batley face a side who have sprung one surprise this time by beating leaders Leigh.
Batley coach Paul Storey has been stressing all week the need for his charges to concentrate for the full 80 minutes as they seek to register what could be a very important success. The Bulldogs visit fellow strugglers Dewsbury next weekend and there is a danger of the Heavy Woollen clubs losing touch with the teams above them.
Storey was irritated by the fact Batley played so well at Featherstone to gain a 10-0 lead but some bad lapses enabled Rovers to rally and go in at half-time with a 20-10 lead.
He remarked: "When Dooler scored their first try we had seven men around the play-the-ball but nobody reacted.
"The lads are disappointed with themselves. It's a matter of keeping going and pushing themselves to the limit. We rotated the props and that worked well and the back row was sound enough. Gavin Swinson had a great game and Danny Maun was outstanding.
"If we had held on for another 10 minutes in the first half we would have been in a very strong position. With the slope in our favour we could have kicked them back downhill in the second half."
Storey was also pleased with the form of Anthony Gibbons, who was playing his first game for 10 weeks, and appeared at loose forward. He was feeling the effects later on but produced a spirited display and collected two tries.
Storey added: "I know we need to start picking up points. It's my call and my responsibility. I shall work with them to put things right. It's frustrating when we're playing so well and then let in a couple of sloppy tries. We should know better.
"I have got to keep them going and if that means bringing in fresh faces that's what I'll do. I know all the players individually and they are a good set of lads. We just need a win to lift their confidence. I'm disappointed at some recent lapses but I'm still upbeat about our prospects."
It is increasingly obvious that home form is going to be vital in the fight against relegation. Featherstone are fifth and unbeaten at home but they haven't won away. Oldham have five points, all from home matches, but have lost their three away games.
If a side can win at home and pick up the odd away success, they will be safe and Batley need to quickly turn the corner.