Bulls having fun in the sun

4:07pm Friday 16th May 2008

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Sun-loving Jamie Langley admits the Bulls are hoping it will be shining again at The Jungle on Sunday.

They put in one of their classiest performances of the season against Catalans amid soaring temperatures last week.

The hot spell has been mirrored by some hot rugby from Bradford, who showed their attacking potential on a firm track, displaying a whole range of crisp and cutting skills.

They tackle Castleford looking for a repeat performance, with Langley saying: "There's a better feel all around.

"When you go out training and it's nice weather it improves your practice building up to the game, not just on match day.

"If you can prepare well you can perform well and the lads are certainly enjoying these types of conditions.

"Hopefully it'll continue a little bit longer before the traditional English summer and all its downpours arrive!"

The strong-running second-rower added: "We've got some outside backs whose main strengths are their footwork.

"They've some amazing skills in that department, beating opponents one-on-one, but it's hard to put them on when the pitches are heavy like they have been for much of the year.

"When it's dry like this and firm, those lads are loving it and it's really promising for us.

"That's what summer rugby is all about though and we managed to play some decent free-flowing rugby. We want more of the same at Cas."

However, despite holding up the rest of Super League, Langley isn't expecting their hosts to easily wilt.

They may have only won twice all season but those victories came against champions Leeds and Challenge Cup holders St Helens, both on their own patch.

Bradford know Castleford can rise to the big occasion and he warned: "The lads are certainly aware they've got some good results at home.

"When we were down there last time two years ago I remember we only just managed to scrape a draw.

"Cas performed really well that day and we know what it's like with their fans who really get behind them, especially in big Yorkshire derbies like this.

"It's up close and personnel with them, they're right on top of you at The Jungle.

"Cas are a quality side with some great individuals and we know this is going to be as tough as they come all season."

The visitors' chances of success are improved by the fact Langley is hitting some of his own best form.

The Great Britain man delivered a towering display against Catalans, powering over for a try and picking up the man-of-the-match award, although he refuses to get carried away.

"I don't think it was my best game particularly," he said.

"I've probably been playing that way for the last few games and I'd been quite happy with the performance.

"I've been trying to find some consistency and managed to pick up my first meat pie, which I suppose always gives you more attention.

"I'm getting some game time, which is important too, and I enjoyed it."

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