PAUL Kidd is convinced that his new-look Swinton Lions side can progress to the knockout stage of the 2009 Northern Rail Cup despite them being handed some daunting group phase fixtures.

The Lions will take on 2008 finalists Doncaster and another Championship club in Leigh Centurions. They also face Championship One rivals Workington Town and Dewsbury Rams.

Lions coach Kidd said: "Our league and Northern Rail Cup fixtures have been announced this week (see below).

"We have been given some tough fixtures in the Northern Rail Cup. But we have made some very good signings and I have no doubt that our much improved side can progress to the quarter-finals.

"We finished very close to Workington this year and, with home advantage, we should win that one.

"We then play Dewsbury. They were relegated from National League One this year and that game will be a good benchmark to where we are at.

"We then host a really big club – Leigh. That is the toughest game in the group and everyone will want to play in that one.

"The group stage is then rounded off with a game against Doncaster. We lost to them twice this year so it is fair to say that we will have a point to prove."

Swinton’s 2009 Northern Rail Cup fixtures:

• February 8, Workington Town (H) 3pm
• February 15, Dewsbury Rams (A) 3pm
• February 22, Leigh Centurions (H) 3pm
• March 1, Doncaster (A) 1pm

Swinton’s 2009 Championship One fixtures:

• March 22, London Skolars (A) 3pm
• March 29, Keighley Cougars (H) 3pm
• April 10, Blackpool Panthers (A) 3pm
• April 13, Workington Town (H) 3pm
• April 26, Oldham (A) 3pm
• May 4, Dewsbury Rams (H) 3pm
• May 17, Keighley Cougars (A) 3pm
• May 24, Oldham (H) 3pm
• May 31, Rochdale Hornets (H) 3pm
• June 14, Workington Town (A) 3pm
• June 28, Hunslet Hawks (H) 3pm
• July 5, Dewsbury Rams (A) 3pm
• July 19, Blackpool Panthers (H) 3pm
• July 26, Rochdale Hornets (A) 3pm
• August 2, York City Knights (H) 3pm
• August 16, Hunslet Hawks (A) 3pm
• August 23, London Skolars (H) 3pm
• September 5, York City Knights (A) 6pm