Bradford boss Mark Dunning hails impact of Leeds trio following Easter Monday win

Josh McAllister 11 Apr 2023 9:15 AM

Bradford head coach Mark Dunning praised Leeds trio James Donaldson, Luis Roberts and Sam Walters following their Championship win over Halifax on Easter Monday.

The Super League trio linked up with the side ahead of the their trip to the Shay Stadium on dual-registration.

All three were named in the starting XIII by Dunning, with Roberts on the wing, Walters at prop and Donaldson lining up alongside Papua New Guinea international Keven Appo in the back-row.

Huddersfield youngster Jack Bibby also made his debut from the bench, having completed the move on a short-term loan from the John Smith’s Stadium.

Walters, 22, opened the scoring, live on Viaplay Sports, just five minutes into the Championship clash.

Jordan Baldwinson, Kieran Gill and Tom Holmes also crossed in the 26-22 victory, while Halifax threatening a late comeback through Italy international Jake Maizen, who scored with five minutes left on the clock.

Head coach Dunning praised the impact the Leeds trio had, highlighting Roberts, who featured on the wing in their 34-6 derby loss to Keighley at Cougar Park two weeks prior.

The likes of Liam Tindall, Leon Ruan and Corey Johnson have also linked up with Bradford on dual-registration from the Rhinos so far in 2023.

Mark Dunning on Leeds trio

“I’m delighted with all three of their performances,” Dunning told Leon Pryce following the win on Viaplay Sports.

“James Donaldson, I’m a big admirer of him since he was first at our club. Sam Walters has been here a few times.

“I’m particularly pleased for Luis Roberts.

“He got some stick after the time he played for us at Keighley away.

“He had a bad day that day, as did everybody, and he took some stick for that. So it was great to see him get through today and do it with a smile on his face.”

The Bradford boss also commended the performance of try-scorer Holmes, who featured at full-back against Simon Grix’s Panthers.

The 27-year-old made the switch from Featherstone ahead of the 2023 campaign, having featured on loan at Sheffield last year.

The former Super League playmaker was given the number one shirt at Bradford ahead of the season, with Dunning admitting Jack Walker is nearing his return to fitness, adding competition for places for the starting position.

“When we signed Tom, I spoke to him about how Sheffield had been playing him at nine, I didn’t see him as a nine whatsoever,” Dunning added.

“I saw him as a full-back or half and I think he can do both equally well.

“It’s no secret that we’re missing Jack Walker at the moment, so they’ll be extra competition in a couple weeks when Jack is fit.”