BATLEY BULLDOGS coach James Ford has challenged youngster Mitch Beedle to take the opportunity provided by the absence of Josh Woods and help propel his side to the play-offs. He joined Batley from Newcastle in 2023 and had made 95 appearances for the club. He has operated in a number of positions this season, with Batley plagued by inconsistency but still bidding for the top ten. “Mitch Beedle has been patient since he joined us, and is doing everything he can to learn from Josh and the two Bens,” said Ford. “Losing Josh is a blow, but it’s a chance to get minutes into Mitch and develop him for next year.”