DINO Radice has issued a rallying call as injury hit Blackburn wrestle with the challenge of life in North One West after last season’s title-winning success.

Radice, director of rugby and head coach, knows that the Ramsgreave Drive outfit face a stern test in their new environment after a difficult start to their 2015-16 campaign.

Losses to Kirkby Lonsdale, leaders Warrington and last weekend’s 30-3 defeat to Altrincham Kersal, means they have only fallen giants Broughton Park below them in the table.

But it is early days yet, however, and a crippling injury list means that Radice is missing several key members from the squad that lifted the championship crown six months ago.

“I’ve been involved in rugby for many years, but I can’t remember an injury list like this one, it has devastated us,” said Radice.

“We’ve had seventeen squad players unavailable at different times over the last month with hamstring, concussion, dislocation, fractures and various other injuries.

“For example, we are missing Alexander Evans, Ali Reay, Mark Briggs, Marc Maher and our scrum half Sean Hall, who played such a huge role last season.

“Sean hasn’t kicked a ball for us this term, and we’ve many others who are struggling on the sidelines who could be out for a while.

“Once we get everybody back then I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

Blackburn will be hoping that their casualty list eases ahead of this weekend’s assignment, when fifth place Wilmslow come to Ramsgreave Drive.

“It has proved a baptism of fire, but I’ve really enjoyed it, and the challenge to the players is a mid-table finish.

“I think we are capable of that and the players who have come in should be proud of their efforts.”

Blackburn’s only win was a 16-11 victory over Eccles, but Radice can also point to the fact that all three defeats have come against sides who look likely to be challenging for honours.

Warrington and Kirkby Lonsdale have won all their games, while Altrincham Kersal are in the top six.

“Even in the defeats we’ve suffered, there were some positives to take out of the performances,” added the coach.

“We won the second half against Kirkby Lonsdale, who were runners-up last season, and the only difference I can see in this league is that the hits are harder and the teams are as fit as us.”

But the coach warned: “It is going to be tough work because this is a very good league and we are competing just under National League level now.

“We’ve got to dig deep now, though, because our set-pieces, line outs and scrums against Altrincham were nowhere near good enough.

“We just have to man up and get some bodies back on the field.”