SL Preview: Bradford v Widnes (Sun)

Bradford Bulls have made two changes to their squad ahead of Sunday’s Super League clash with Widnes Vikings at Odsal.

Prop Manase Manuokafoa comes back into the 19-man squad in place of forward Jacob Fairbank, who is now on loan with London Broncos.

Meanwhile, Francis Cummins’ only other switch sees Adrian Purtell back in action at the expense of back row Oliver Roberts.

Widnes head coach Denis Betts has named three changes to the side which lost 38-28 to Leeds Rhinos last time out, including the inclusion of former Bulls forward Phil Joseph.

Joseph’s inclusion means there is no space for Steve Pickersgill in the travelling party while Danny Craven and Paddy Flynn make way for Alex Gerrard and Cameron Phelps.

Bradford 19-man squad: Donaldson, Kearney, Olbison, Sidlow, Gale, Kear, Scruton, Bateman, L’Estrange, Platt, Lulia, Purtell, O’Brien, Manuokafoa, Addy, Langley, Diskin, Blythe, Evans.

Widnes 19-man squad: Ah Van, Allen, K. Brown, Cahill, Clarke, Gerrard, Hanbury, Hock, Isa, Joseph, Kavanagh, Leuluai, Marsh, Mellor, O’Carroll, Owens, Phelps, Winterstein, White.

Prediction: Both sides unpredictable, Bradford to win due to home advantage.

Stats:

Bradford are undefeated in their last five games against Widnes, with the Vikings’ last win against the Bulls coming 31-22 at home on 20 February, 2005.

Super League summary:

Widnes won 1

Bradford won 9

2 draws

Widnes highest score: 31-22 (H, 2005) (also widest margin)

Bradford highest score: 74-24 (H, 2005) (also widest margin)