Bradford expecting tough battle with Batley

Bradford coach James Lowes is expecting a stern test against Batley this Sunday when his side take on the Bulldogs.

The Bulls are the only unbeaten side in the Championship but Batley have been one of the surprise packets of the competition.

“They are a tough, tough rugby team,” Bradford coach James Lowes said.

“John [Kear] is a great bloke and he’ll have them highly motivated. He runs on energy and attitudes within the game. He’ll certainly have his side fired up for the game.

“Batley have got off to a great start this year and deservedly so. You’ve got to be on your game to beat Batley and you’ve got to be on your game to win at their place. John has got a good environment going on there.

“Leigh went to Batley at the start of the season and got beat, so we’ve got to be on our game and go there with the right attitude. We’ve got to take the weather and the slope out of contention and just go and play some rugby.”

Bulldogs boss John Kear believes there’s improvement to come from his side.

“We’re playing really well and demonstrating consistently good performances but there’s still areas for improvement,” he said.

“That was the heartening thing when we looked at the review and it wasn’t just me suggesting it, it was the players.

“There’s still more improvement in them as they get more and more used to playing with each because there’s half a dozen players who are completely new to the squad.

“We’re demanding more of ourselves but my job’s to keep their feet on the ground and make sure they continue to apply themselves on the training field, in team meetings and obviously on the playing field.”

“I think this Sunday is going to be a massive occasion. We’re obviously playing one of the two favourites for the title. In the first six games we play all four of the teams who were in the middle eight last year from the Championship. Obviously it gives us a great indication of where we’re at and what our aspirations can be for the future.”