STEVE BARROW stands-by for his Swinton debut at Featherstone Rovers on Monday night (kick-off 7.30pm), in what will be a real test of the Lions' play-off aspirations.

Rovers are fifth in the Northern Ford Premiership table and coach Peter Roe, who guided Swinton to promotion in 1996-97, is likely to field a full strength side at Post Office Road.

Second row forward Barrow, nephew of Lions chief executive, Tony Barrow, has joined Swinton from London Broncos. He has also played for Hull and Wigan.

"We need a bit of nastiness in the side and Steve will give it us," said Lions' coach Mike Gregory. "By nastiness, I don't mean being dirty. It's just that sometimes we are a bit too nice."

Steve brings the total number of Barrows at Gigg Lane to four -- Tony senior, his son, Tony, and nephews Paul and Steve, son of Tony senior's brother, Frank, who played for St Helens alongside Tony senior.

Rovers' coach Roe said: " I went back to Swinton with Featherstone last season and we won a very close game.

"It will be a tough fixture for us on Monday. Swinton are a very underrated side. They have a lot of good, young lads like Paul Smith and Wayne English, who I rate very highly.

"Swinton are in a period of transition, as we are. They are good on attack, just like us, and I think it will be a very open, high-scoring game."

The Lions have doubts over forward Ian Pickavance and centre Paul Loughlin, "I need a bit more from them anyway," warned Gregory, who is hoping Andy Craig and Craig Randall might be available for selection.

Featherstone secretary, Terry Mullaney, says any Swinton fans making the trip to Featherstone on Monday evening are welcome to enjoy the facilities in the Post Office Road social club, which will be open from 5.30pm.