AHEAD of Bulls' clash at Featherstone in the Challenge Cup tomorrow, they have provided a little opposition guide.

Bradford's pre-season was somewhat disappointing. They blew a good lead to lose 26-22 to Swinton before scraping a 22-18 win against understrength League 1 side Keighley.

But Fev have hit the ground running. With some new signings making their bow, they crushed Oldham 58-10 a fortnight ago and eased to a good 36-16 win over Batley last weekend.

But perhaps that is little surprise given the players they have at their disposal and the experienced coach guiding them...

THE SQUAD

Featherstone boast a wealth of Championship experience, while also including former Super League names among the ranks.

Former Bradford Bull Dane Chisholm is expected to line up for the Flat Cappers against his old club and after an impressive off-season in which they also added former Super League starlets such as Kris Welham and Craig Kopczak, Rovers will pose a threat to John Kear’s men.

THE COACH

Former Hull KR and Wakefield boss James Webster is in the hotseat at Featherstone, after taking over following the departure of Ryan Carr in 2019.

An experienced coach, Featherstone went unbeaten in 2020 under his leadership, before the season was curtailed.

CONNECTIONS

Featherstone boast a number of connections to the Bulls, including half-back Dane Chisholm, who joined the Rovers in 2019.

Off-season signing Kris Welham also enjoyed a season at Odsal, during 2016, where he won the player of the season award and was the club’s top try scorer with 29.

THE STADIUM

Featherstone Rovers play their home games at The Millennium Stadium, also known as Post Office Road, and they have done throughout their whole history.

The last time Bradford were victorious on this ground was back in 2015 under James Lowes, when his side defeated Rovers 40-4.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

During 2019, the Bulls played Featherstone three times, coming out with two victories and one defeat.

The first was a thrilling 17-16 win at Odsal Stadium – with now Featherstone player Dane Chisholm kicking the winning drop goal.

The second saw John Kear’s side complete an 18-point comeback in the final eight minutes before going on to win the Challenge Cup Fifth Round tie in Golden Point overtime, courtesy of a monster Jordan Lilley drop-goal.

But the third was a bruising 42-4 defeat at Post Office Road in the May of that year, and when the two faced off in February 2020, it was Rovers who came out on top again, winning 30-22 in Dewsbury.