Bradford Salem, who have lost their last five matches, four of them in Yorkshire Division One, are optimistic that their dreadful run will come to an end on Saturday.

Salem, who have dropped to seventh, are entertaining third-placed Castleford but results in this division are so topsy-turvy that positions in the table seem to count for little.

Neil Klenk, Salem’s match secretary, said: “Castleford had gone through their own rough patch (three losses in a row) before beating leaders Wheatley Hills 17-9 last Saturday, and there were wins for bottom club Yarnbury over Dinnington, and Malton & Norton at Sheffield.

“You only have to be slightly understrength and you can be turned over by anybody in this division.”

Salem’s chief injury worry is centre Kris Whata, who has an ankle problem.

If he fails a fitness test, the experienced Steve McManus will be promoted from the bench to replace him, with Will Rae stepping up to be a backs replacement.

Damien Pearson returns to the second row after falling off scaffolding.

Bradford Salem (home to Castleford): J Davies; C Savva, K Whata, C Bourne, S Thomas; R langhorn, I Woodwiss; C Buxton, S Fields, J Bradbury, D Pearson, J Morrell, J Booth, K Falwasser, D Hutton. Replacements: B Webb, B Scarbrough, S McManus or W Rae.