Dewsbury Rams plan to tackle Super League duo

Both games have yet to be confirmed but the Rams are expected to play their annual clash against Bradford Bulls on January 9, while they have pencilled in a friendly against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats for January 16.

With the Northern Rail Cup campaign scheduled to start on the first weekend in February, it would give coach Warren Jowitt two free weekends to get his side fully focussed on the serious action.

Jowitt said: “The Wakefield game, in particular, should attract a good gate. It will give us chance to play some of our new signings, while Wakefield have signed a load of players and will have a new-look squad, which I’m sure they’re supporters will be keen to see.

“However, I must box clever in our friendly games to ensure that we keep our senior and key players injury free. We were without the likes of Rob Spicer, Austin Buchanan and Adam Hayes for long spells last season but when they returned just look what happened.”

Jowitt was, of course, referring to the superb turnaround his side produced when they won six of their final eight games to pull clear of the Co-operative Championship relegation zone after losing their first 12 matches.

Jowitt added: “Having made the step up, winning every game the previous season, we struggled with the pace at the higher level. It wasn’t that we were playing poorly, nearly every game was close, and once we learned to combat sides and to keep hold of our leads we did very well.

“The switch of scrum-half Dominic Brambani to captain was crucial and he proved he is one of the best in the division. When he is on-song he can rip anyone apart.”

The squad have continued to impress Jowitt with their early pre-season work and the coach is planning another team bonding session towards the end of November, before preperations begin in earnest for the Boxing Day Challenge against Batley Bulldogs at Mount Pleasant.

Meanwhile, Rams chairman Mark Sawyer has been encouraged by the early season ticket sales.

Although the tickets only arrived last week, the club have already sold 118, which is 30 up on the same time last year.

Dewsbury have introduced early bird prices for supporters who buy their season tickets on or before December 1, which is the date clubs must submit financial details to the RFL, which will determine the exact figure of their salary cap.

The cheaper adult standing ticket is priced at £80, which includes all home Co-operative Championship and Northern Rail Cup games, together with the first Challenge Cup tie.

Adult seating tickets are just £95 if bought before the deadline, with prices rising to £95 (standing) and £110 (seating) after December 1.

There are also some excellent deals for junior and senior citizens, together with a new category to encourage young adults (16-18 years) to games.

Full ticket details are available at www.dewsburyrams.co.uk or by calling the club on 01924 465489.

Preperations are well under way for the 1999-2000 Grand Slam reunion dinner, on Sunday November 14 (12.30pm for 1pm).

Coach Neil Kelly, who guided the Rams to the Trans Pennine Cup, league leaders shield and Grand Final success, has confirmed he will be attending, along with 17 of the Grand Slam squad.

There willbe video highlights from that memorable season, a raffle and auction, followed by a replay of the 2000 Grand Final victory over Leigh Centurions on a big screen.

There are a limited number of tickets available for the dinner, priced £25. Anyone interested should contact the club office at Tetley’s Stadium.