Sidlow wants to make a big impact - for starts (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Adam Sidlow wants to make a big impact with Bradford Bulls - for starts

6:30am Friday 1st February 2013 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Adam Sidlow has vowed to force his way into Francis Cummins’ starting XIII as he gears up to make his first home appearance for the Bulls.

The hulking prop has impressed off the bench in the pre-season friendlies against Dewsbury and Leeds following his arrival from Salford on a two-year deal.

He seems certain to again be named among the replacements in Sunday's Super League opener against Wakefield at the Provident Stadium.

That says much for the impressive form of Nick Scruton and Manase Manuokafoa, with both men having laid down impressive markers in pre-season.

Yet Sidlow declared: “I want to start games.

“Nas and Scrutes have been the starting props in pre-season but I’m going to try and push them every week.

“I want to do better than I did against Dewsbury and Leeds and hopefully cement a place in the side.

“I’ve been looking at videos at what I’ve been doing in the pre-season games.

“I just want to keep improving with every game I play.

“I’m just happy to be playing at the moment and getting some good minutes.”

Sidlow’s awesome physical presence is a major boost to the Bulls as they look to cope with the loss of Craig Kopczak, Bryn Hargreaves and Tom Burgess.

Chev Walker has weighed in with shifts up the middle, and it is hoped that Jamie Langley will be fit to return this weekend.

Sidlow simply cannot wait to run out at the famous old stadium in a Bulls jersey this weekend.

“I played against the Bulls at Salford last season but not in the game at Odsal,” said the Wiganer.

“I can’t wait to play here as a Bradford player. Both the pre-season friendlies have been away so it will be nice to walk out in front of our own fans for the first game.

“The Dewsbury game was a good hit-out and it was nice to put the shirt on but I really enjoyed the Leeds game.

“The rivalry was great to experience and I could really feel it on the field as well.”

Sidlow’s last Super League appearance for Salford came in a defeat to Wakefield last year as the Wildcats sneaked into the play-offs ahead of the Bulls.

He added: “Wakefield were going up and up towards the end of last year and they have recruited well in the off-season.

“They’re a good side. I know they may have a couple of injuries but we’re not thinking about that.

“We’re just preparing well and looking forward to hopefully starting the season with a win.”