2019 Rugby League Challenge Cup – Bradford Bulls vs Halifax Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Bradford Bulls vs Halifax taking place? Sunday 2nd June, 14:45
Where is Bradford Bulls vs Halifax taking place? Odsal
What channel is Bradford Bulls vs Halifax on in the UK? BBC Two
Where can I stream the match in the UK? Viewers in the UK can stream the match online via the BBC Sport website
Where can I get tickets for Bradford Bulls vs Halifax?
Bradford Bulls – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bradford-bulls/events
Halifax – https://shop.halifaxrlfc.co.uk/shop
THE TEAM NEWS
BRADFORD BULLS
Head Coach: John Kear
Squad: Crossley, Farrell, Flanagan, Foggin-Johnston, Grant, Hallas, Kirk, Lilley, Milnes, Minchella, Oakes, Peltier, Pickersgill, Roche, Ryan, Storton, Webster, Wildie, Wood
Unavailable: James Green, Jy Hitchcox, Rhys Evans, Joe Keyes, Ashley Gibson
- Bradford have failed to win either of their last two games after their Challenge Cup exploits in the last round when they defeated Leeds and must put those defeats behind them as they host Halifax for a spot in the semi-final.
- Some Bradford players may have played their way out of a spot in the side after they were given a shot to stake a place for this huge contest with John Kear was left fuming at their effort in last week’s loss.
- Jake Webster, Dalton Grant and Rowan Milnes are all back in the squad having missed out last week with the trio all likely to feature in this week’s matchday 17 which will strengthen Kear’s side.
HALIFAX
Head Coach: Simon Grix
Squad: Barber, Butler, Cooper, Co. Davies, Cu. Davies, Fairbank, Fleming, Grix, Kavanagh, Larroyer, Laulu-Togaga’e, Moore, Morris, Murrell, Saltonstall, Sharp, Tangata, Tyrer, Woodburn-Hall
Unavailable: Shaun Robinson, Ben Johnston, Ben Kaye, Shane Grady, Harry Kidd,
- Halifax went down to defeat against Batley as new head coach Simon Grix suffered his first loss in charge thanks to a poor second half and he will be looking for his side to start this game strongly to put that behind them.
- Adam Tangata made his second debut for the Halifax club last week after his ill-fated stint at Widnes and he will come on for those minutes with the prop retaining his place in the 19-man squad this week.
- Halifax are boosted by the return of some big players this week with Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e, James Woodburn-Hall, Ed Barber, James Saltonstall and Ben Kavanagh all back in the 19.
THE PREDICTION
Bradford were the biggest story from the last round of the Challenge Cup and they will hope those exploits against Leeds will stand them in good stead as they attempt to make the semi-finals. They host fellow Championship side Halifax in what should be a tight affair but the Bulls can edge it. Both teams are capable of claiming the win but John Kear’s love-affair with the Challenge Cup can continue as he can produce a game plan to get the better of rookie head coach Simon Grix’s men.
