BRADFORD Salem are making use of their link with the University of Bradford to solve a prop crisis.

With John Bradbury, Dave Luxton and Will Collins all unavailable, the Heaton club are set to give a debut to 18-year-old student Josh White tomorrow at home to Yorkshire Division One leaders Bridlington on Saturday.

Salem’s chairman Neil Klenk explained: “The university share our facilities and they are coached by one of our former players in Noel Hayden.

“Josh, who has some Filipino blood, is a big unit and I saw him play recently for our second team against Moortown second team, and he played well and carried well.”

Bridlington, who lead the table by 15 points from West Leeds, have won nine of their ten away matches this season, only losing 30-15 at York, who are third, in January.

Klenk added: “Although we have sent some weak teams over there in recent times and have suffered some heavy defeats, we have a decent record against them at home.”

Salem also memorably defeated them on neutral ground to win a thrilling Yorkshire Shield final in May, 2015 at Hull Ionians, thanks to Chris Clough’s bravery and skill in normal time and Sam Savage’s try in extra-time, but the match could revolve around how much ball Salem’s forwards can win for their talented backs.

Keighley head coach Danny McGee was struggling to find something positive to say about their 27-15 defeat at Scarborough last weekend.

He eventually said: "It was a very poor team performance. We didn't play well and we haven't won many games on the road looking at the history of our season, but we won't be throwing the baby out with the bathwater at home to Selby."

Bradford & Bingley take the unusual step of starting with regular No 8 Tom Cummins on the bench at home to Dinnington in North One East.

Rugby secretary Nick Patterson explained: "Martin Whitcombe (director of rugby) wants to reward lads who have trained well and is viewing the squad a bit like Eddie Jones does.

"Manny Riaz is a fireman and can't play every week and Sam White has been doing great in training and Martin wants to give them an opportunity, but Tom will probably get at least two stints off the bench."

Bradford & Bingley (home to Dinnington): J Malthouse; R Wilson, B Greaves, R Tafa, A Sutcliffe; A Mitchell, L Neha; S White, M Cochrane, R Wederell,H Jeffrey, B Mitchell, T Booth, M Riaz, M Mountain. Replacements: S Jeffreys, M Crotch, T Cummins.

Bradford Salem (home to Bridlington): D Belcher; C Malarkey, H Hall, A Robinson, R Smith; M Booth, J Mitchell; T O'Sullivan, A Veitch, J White,J Morrell, J Cunliffe, C Wood, C Baines, N Fontaine. Replacements: S Gardner, J Abram, K Brook.