If the RFL’s theory that jeopardy equals entertainment and will increase Super League attendance is true, the Bulls will have to install a new stand at the Provident for Sunday’s game. It’s 13th versus 14th as the league’s two most troubled sides battle it out in what is effectively a four-pointer, especially since the latest Bulls transgressions took place.
Bradford Bulls coach Francis Cummins has named a virtually unchanged 19-man squad for the clash, which kicks off at the Provident Stadium at 3.00pm. He has made just two changes from the side that defeated Wakefield last week – Tom Olbison and Oliver Roberts replace injured half-back Lee Gaskell and Sam Wood.
London, on the other hand, have made four changes. They have lost young prop Erjon Dollapi to a toe injury and are without Tony Gigot, their goal kicker. New signing Josh Drinkwater makes the 19, though, as does Wigan loanee James Greenwood and former Parramatta Eels half-back Ben Farrar.
What the bookies think
There’s only one way this game is going if you believe the bookmakers. The Bulls are a massive 1/66 to win, so you’re not going to get any value out of them. The Broncos, however, are 14/1, so could represent a good opportunity to make some money if they pull it out of the bag. A draw is 70/1. There is a 28-point handicap.
What Stats Man says
Here are the most interesting historical stats I could pull out:
Super League summary (including Harlequins, 2006-2011)
Bradford won 31 (includes win in 2005 play-offs)
London Broncos won 10
1 draw
Bradford highest score: 74-12 (H, 1999) (also widest margin)
London Broncos highest score: 36-24 (H, 2008) (Widest margin: 34-8, H, 1998)
The squads
Bulls
16 Danny Addy
28 Danny Bridge
9 Matt Diskin
18 James Donaldson
5 Jamie Foster
7 Luke Gale
20 Luke George
21 Adam Henry
2 Elliot Kear
1 Brett Kearney
14 Manase Manuokafoa
Anthony Mullally
19 Adam O’Brien
11 Tom Olbison
3 Adrian Purtell
23 Oliver Roberts
8 Nick Scruton
15 Adam Sidlow
13 Chev Walker
Broncos
1 Nesiasi Mataitonga
3 Jordan Atkins
4 Thomas Minns
24 Caton-Brown
17 Will Lovell
14 Mike Bishay
12 Matthew Cook
20 James Cunningham
Josh Drinkwater
28 Carl Forster
Ben Farrar
13 Alex Foster
18 George Griffin
James Greenwood
11 Mike McMeeken
9 Scott Moore
10 Olsi Krasniqi
27 Jamie O’Callaghan
Nick Slyney
