Bradford & Bingley, who have lost their opening two matches in National League Two, are expecting new pack arrivals soon.

"We are looking to sign three players - a No 8 from Stourbridge (who the Bees face a week tomorrow) and two overseas players who can play at No 6, No 8 or in the second row," said flanker Neil Spence.

"One is an Australian-Samoan and the other is an Australian."

Although Spence, who could be back from a broken thumb at Halifax tomorrow, concedes that injuries and retirements have contributed to the Bees' sluggish start so far, he is optimistic that they will turn things around.

He said: "Ronnie Kelly and Blous Volschenk have retired and the injury loss of Barry Clark in the second row was a big blow.

"We have met sides who are bigger and stronger than us up front but the fact that we only lost a bonus point in the closing minutes against Man-chester, and that they are expected to be right up there at the end of the season, gives us hope. With these new signings, we can be competitive."