DEWSBURY Rams have a concern regarding prop Anthony England as they continue to work hard in preparation for the new season.

England, who impressed on Boxing Day with a storming performance, took a knock in training and it is felt he has a hernia problem. The club are trying to get him an early check with a specialist in keyhole surgery and hope he will be back in three or four weeks.

Rams’ coach Warren Jowitt remarked: “He has been going great guns and we can’t afford to have him out of the side. His presence is needed on the field and we’re hoping the keyhole surgery will be possible and will work.”

Fellow prop Adam Robinson, who had a great season last year but did not figure on Boxing Day because of a tweaked hamstring, has been training well.

Jowitt added: “I think he’s looked round at the other lads and realised he has to work hard to get a spot. He did a great job last season but this is a step up and you can’t play on reputation.”

The Rams have not eased off during the bad weather and last Sunday had a full day, working from 9am to 5pm and another day-long session is planned for this Sunday.

Jowitt said: “I think the army camp hardened us up and we have been going on the training pitch during the bad weather.

“Last Sunday was like a training camp and there was plenty of effort trying to get everything in.

“We did some defensive drills and when we worked on them on Monday night they dropped into place, which was good to see, but we aren’t the finished article. It’s all very well looking good in training, the secret is to do it on the field but the effort is there and I can’t complain about their commitment.

“We shall ease off during the season but so far as pre-season is concerned you have to do the preparation.”

Jowitt received more recognition for his efforts last season when he was voted coach of the year for Championship One by readers of the Rugby Leaguer and League Express. He said: “It’s nice to be chosen by spectators and to receive so many votes was flattering but it was a team effort, a great many others put the effort in on and off the field.”

Liam Finn was voted player of the year in the division and Andy Bostock and Rob Spicer were also on the short-list.

Jowitt is contemplating a squad of 21 for the game against Bradford Bulls next Friday, which is essential for the preparation of the team but also for the finances of the club, which have been badly affected by the weather.

Officials checked the state of the pitch in midweek and said it was playable under the snow, which is providing some protection against the freezing temperatures.

Chairman Mark Sawyer said: “We shall do all we can to get the Bradford game on, it is such a vital part of our income.

“The weather has hit us badly, people can’t get to the club to buy season tickets or replica shirts and the like and we have had some functions cancalled.

“This has left us behind with our budget.