Youngsters to get Bulls chance

Bradford may hand debuts to a trio of youngsters in Sunday’s Challenge Cup clash against Doncaster, due to injuries.

The Bulls lost half-back Jarrod Sammut for eight weeks after he picked up an injury in the win at Widnes, and he joins fellow half-back Luke Gale on the sidelines.

Karl Pryce and Phil Joseph are still missing having picked up knocks against Leeds, while Heath L’Estrange is missing through suspension.

Youngsters Jay Rossi, Matt Bailey and Callum Windley have all been included in the Bulls 19-man squad.

With Ben Jeffries the only fit recognised half-back in the squad, 21-year-old Windley, a half-back or hooker, looks likely to get a chance. Winger Rossi, 18, has previously played for Whitehaven and is in his first season with the Bulls, while 20-year-old back-rower Bailey has been with the club since 2008.

Assistant coach Francis Cummins said: It’s always the same. When you are without so many players it opens the door for other lads to step up to the mark. Jay Rossi, Matt Bailey and Callum Windley have all trained with us today, which is great experience in itself for them.  

“Jay has pace and knows his way to the try-line, Callum can operate in the halves and at hooker and Matt has performed well in the pack.  If one or more of them are called on I am confident in their ability to do the job.”

Also missing for the Bulls is Brett Kearney, who has picked up an ankle injury, as they go in to their first game since raising the £500,000 required to keep the club afloat – for now.

He added: “The financial situation has definitely focused us on the job in hand. That goes for the entire club.

“We just need to continue trying to win rugby matches because that’s what we do best and that will give everyone a lift.”

Bradford squad v Doncaster: Addy, Ainscough, Bailey, Bateman, Burgess, Diskin, Elima, Hargreaves, Jeffries, Kopczak, Langley, Lulia, Manuokafoa, Olbison, Platt, Purtell, Rossi, Whitehead, Windley