GLOUCESTERSHIRE Warriors swing back into Conference League South action this Saturday with a home game against Torfaen Tigers, kick-off 2.30pm).

Tigers began the  season poorly, losing their first five games but have since shown what they’re capable of beating Oxford Cavaliers and Sheffield Hallam Eagles in successive weeks.

Welsh rugby league sides are generally thought of as being reliant on rugby union players so it comes as no real surprise that they can struggle early and late in the season as the two codes overlap.

They will be strong through the middle part of the campaign and, depending on whether they are challenging for the play offs or not, their form will either tail off again towards the end of the campaign or maintain its momentum right to the last match.

Warriors have never beaten a Welsh side having faced Cardiff Demons many times and also Aberavon Fighting Irish in the past and this season is the first chance for many years to correct that unwanted statistic. They have also not lost more than two consecutive matches this season so need to win this weekend to maintain that record.

Having lost to Valley Cougars last month, this weekend’s game with the Tigers represents the next opportunity and is a game the Warriors are looking to win.

So far this season, the players have so often put themselves in a position to win games but have not been composed or organised enough to take advantage.

Coach Richard Jones has been pleased with their response at training but it is on the pitch where it counts. “I’m looking to see them put it into place,” he said. “They are definitely capable, I am pleased with the quality we have and will be aiming to get the win this week.”

Warriors’ injury issues this season have been well-documented and are a source of concern particularly with the news that Joel James has moved to Coventry Bears and joint leading points-scorer Liam Rice-Wilson is not available for the rest of the summer.

This means that the side may field a new halfback combination and the All Golds’ Danny Fallon may step in having appeared off the bench for the first team last week at Newcastle Thunder. That was the Wiganer’s first game for around 12 months as he returns from shoulder and leg injuries and the game time this weekend will be invaluable as he looks to gain a place in the senior squad.