Tonight could prove to be a pivotal moment in Bradford’s season, as they look for the win which could take them off the bottom of Super League.
However, they will face a Salford Red Devils side that will be determined to put on a show for new head coach Iestyn Harris, as he takes charge of the Red Devils for the first time, against one of his former clubs.
Bradford have been given a huge boost on the injury front, as Matt Diskin, Adam Sidlow and Lee Gaskell have returned to their squad. All three return ahead of schedule to give Francis Cummins a welcome headache or two.
As for Salford, they could hand a debut to Wigan hooker Logan Tomkins, who joined on loan earlier this week.
The Squads
Bradford Bulls: Donaldson, Henry, Wood, Purtell, Gale, Kear, Fakir, Walker, Sidlow, Ferguson, Foster, Blythe, Diskin, Manuokafoa, Addy, Gaskell, Mullally, Kearney, O’Brien.
Salford Red Devils: Gleeson, Chase, Lee, Tasi, Hock, Smith, Morley, Mullaney, Johnson, Sa’u, Meli, J. Walne, A. Walne, Hansen, Tomkins, Fages, Ashurst, Puletua, McPherson.
The Stats
Bradford are undefeated in their last three meetings with Salford, having won two and drawn one. The Red Devils’ last win against the Bulls was a 38-18 away victory on 25 March, 2012.
Darrell Griffin needs one appearance to reach 300 for his career. Griffin is in his second season with Salford, having played 24 games for the Red Devils. He was previously with Wakefield (97 games, 2003-2006), Huddersfield (140 games, 2007-2011) and Leeds (32 games, 2012). He has also made 6 appearances for England (2005, 2008 and 2010).
Jamal Fakir is in line to make his Super League debut for the Bulls this evening.
The Prediction
With players coming back and the Bulls on a high after last week’s victory over Oldham, a relative shock could be on the cards here. Home win.
