JOHN Bastian admits the Bradford Bulls Academy side face a tough trip to tackle a ‘dangerous’ London Broncos outfit this weekend following a two-week break.

Last time out, Leigh Beattie’s side put in a spirited first-half performance against Leeds Rhinos before eventually falling to defeat.

A trip to Ealing provides the youthful Under-19s with another stern test as the season approaches the halfway stage in 2019.

Bastian believes the character and resilience of the team bodes well heading into the second half of the campaign.

He said: “A trip to London is always tough – it is a long trip and you have to prepare mentally for that challenge.

“The guys will be looking forward to it after a two-week break and I thought they were really good in the first half against Leeds last time out.

“They are always a dangerous team, they have always been a team who can beat the top sides and we have to be mindful of that.

“We have to be respectful of the type of team they are but be confident in our own ability and how good we can be.

“At the halfway stage we have to realise these players are young and they will have ups and downs and it is tough when things are not always rosey.

“But you find out who you are – players like Liam Kirk, Jake Trueman have all been in this position but have come through the other end.”