BRADFORD Bulls are set to face Swinton Lions in Round 5 of the Betfred Championship, as they look to make it four victories in the League in a row. (Sunday 9th May – 11:45 KO)

Swinton have started the season without a victory in the League, but defeated Newcastle Thunder and Oldham RLFC in the Betfred Challenge Cup.

The Squad:

Swinton have a vastly experienced Championship squad, having been in the division for several years, such as players like Rhodri Lloyd, who has been one of the standout performers in recent seasons.

In the off-season, Swinton made a double signing of Sam Brooks and Martyn Ridyard from Leigh Centurions, two impressive players who were part of a Leigh squad that finished fourth in 2019.

The Coach:

Lions head coach Stuart Littler has been at the club since 2015, as a player and assistant coach, however in 2017 he was given the head coach role on a full-time basis.

Currently, he is still looking for his side’s first League victory of 2021.

After a disappointing start to 2019 in the last League campaign, he saw his side comfortably avoid relegation, finishing in a season high 9th place.

Connections:

During the off-season, Swinton signed two former Bradford academy players, in Cobi Green and Jacob Smillie.

The Welsh half, who captained the Under-19’s Wales side, and was also selected for the Wales nines tournament while at the Bulls - was an impressive capture for the Manchester side.

The Stadium:

Swinton Lions play their home games at Heywood Road, in Sale.

The ground has been home to the Lions since 2016 and is also home to Sale RUFC, with a capacity of 3,387.

Previous affairs:

During 2019, Bradford Bulls faced Swinton Lions twice, with a victory and a draw.

The away fixture, ended in a 12-31 win, with the home game at Odsal Stadium ending in a dramatic 34-34 draw, Connor Farrell scoring a last minute try to level the scores.

Summary: Can Bradford Bulls make it four wins on the bounce, as they travel to Manchester to take on Swinton in the Betfred Championship?

John Kear praised his side after claiming a third victory of the season against Whitehaven, and said his side were “smart and clinical” to claim the win.

Swinton Lions remain winless, allowing Bulls to go into the game full of confidence.

Levy Nzoungou, who has started the season brightly, will miss the game after the forward picked up a knee injury against Whitehaven.

Nzoungou will be sent for a scan.