Cleckheaton have announced the signing of Yorkshire second row Martin Smith from struggling Halifax.
The rangy lock, who spent nine years at Ovenden Park having previously played for Wath and Blackburn, goes straight into Cleckheaton's side for their North Division One match at Birkenhead Park on Saturday.
Smith, who has dropped down two divisions, had an injury-hit campaign last year, struggling to shake off a hip injury. He partners player-coach Craig West in the second row, John Dudley still being unavailable.
West son's Johnny is also an absentee but winger Matt Callaghan returns after exams and Tom Lauriston has got the nod at centre. Ross Hayden is at full back.
Cleckheaton (at Birkenhead Park): R Hayden; S Bradshaw, T Lauriston, M Billington, M Callaghan; O Edwards, D Castle; C Mason, S Worsley, M Chivers, M Smith, C West, L Hamilton, R Burrows, D Pilkington. Replacements: J Lamptey, J South, S Rogers.
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