Swinton coach Steve McCormack this week spelled out what he expects from his players in the Championship this season.

The Lions were promoted to Rugby League’s second tier after winning Championship One last season – the club’s first trophy in 25 years.

Now they are determined to build on last season’s success both on and off the pitch.

McCormack has recruited quality players like Tom Armstrong, David Mills, Adam Higson, Kevin Penny and Chaz I’Anson while the club’s pursuit of their own ground is at an advanced stage.

But McCormack is under no illusion about the task ahead.

He said: “We have got a lot of work on, which we knew, but we have got a week or so now to get things right before the York game.

“We have a free weekend so we are going to top up our fitness and mental attitude.

“We sat down this week and talked through our goals and guidelines throughout the season.

“We will look at a few things and make sure we are ready for the York game.”

Swinton have played three pre-season friendlies, winning in Barrow either side of defeats to Widnes and Warrington Under-20s.

Their first competitive match is at York City Knights in the Northern Rail Cup on Sunday, February 12.

“We have given everyone an opportunity over the three games and we even included a couple of trialists against Warrington,” said McCormack.

“I’m quite pleased with the way the pre-season has gone. The players have put in the commitment and have worked hard.

“They have done everything we have asked and every player has had plenty of game time in pre-season friendlies and it gives me a bit of food for thought ahead of picking the first 17.”

LIONS fans can get discounted tickets to home games by buying online in advance from Leigh Sports Village.

Follow this link for details:

http://www.leighsportsvillage.co.uk/latest_events_detail_at_leigh_sports_village.php?event_id=163