Rams chief has high hopes for new arrival Brambani

The talented scrum-half proved inspirational as Dewsbury's season got underway with a 50-4 Northern Rail Cup rout of London Skolars yesterday.

Jowitt's priorities lie with the league campaign, promoted Rams returning to the Championship after a 12-month absence, and he believes Brambani could be crucial in that bid.

Having played there with Sheffield Eagles last season, he also has experience of the top flight with a spell on Castleford Tigers' books earlier in his career.

"He played a bit in Super League there with Cas and can definitely press on," said Jowitt.

"He's only a young kid – still just 24 – and has a lot to learn but he's probably gone under the radar a bit.

"Maybe as the season progresses we'll hear a lot more about Dom Brambani.

"Some of the plays he's putting on for us are all done at pace and it just makes it harder for the defence.

"He's a great addition to the squad."

Jowitt was also impressed by the power and strength of rangy front-rowers Keegan Hirst and Anthony England who battered Skolars could not hold down.

"Keegan was absolutely outstanding and he was backed up by Anthony England," he said.

"They're both hard-working props and have running games as well.

"Keegan showed he can bust tackles and then Adam Robinson came off the bench and complemented their hard work."

Youngster England, a winter recruit from Castleford Tigers' Academy, blotted his copybook after getting red-carded in the dying stages for punching Skolars' Liam Prescott.

"In this day and age you cannot re-act," said Jowitt, after the player retaliated to a gouging incident.

"Unfortunately he has done so with a good attention because even the linesman saw it – the kid was gouging and had his fingers in his mouth as well."

Robbie Paul's first game for Leigh ended in victory as the Centurions claimed victory in one of only three Northern Rail Cup ties played yesterday due to the freezing weather.

Tries from Steve Maden (two), Dave McConnell, Tommy Goulden and Dale Cunniffe were enough for the Championship hosts to claim a 24-12 victory over Oldham at the Sports Village.