Bulls v Hull FC: Teams
Prop Andy Lynch will make a welcome return to action for Bradford when they host high-flying Hull on Sunday.
Last Updated: 15/03/09 10:43am
Andy Lynch will make a welcome return to action for Bradford when they host high-flying Hull FC on Sunday.
The prop has been out of action for the last six months with a neck injury that also meant he missed out on playing in last year's World Cup.
His return to the pack is a timely boost for the Bulls, who have yet to register a win in Super League XIV.
They managed a draw in their opening fixture at home to Hull KR but have since suffered defeats at the hands of Huddersfield and Wigan.
Last week's 44-10 loss to the Warriors at the JJB Stadium was particularly frustrating for under-pressure coach Steve McNamara.
"The players and myself were very embarrassed with what we showed at Wigan and I think it's fair to say none of us saw the signs coming," he said.
"In the previous games we had been very physical but we were far from that at Wigan."
As well as Lynch, Jamie Langley will return to action after recovering from a dislocated shoulder. He could well be forced to play some minutes at hooker with Wayne Godwin ruled out with a broken leg.
In-form Hull
In contrast to their opponents, Hull FC have started the new campaign in superb fashion, managing four wins from four.
They currently sit level on points with reigning champions Leeds, the only other side with a 100 percent record, at the top of the table.
Last weekend they managed a 24-20 victory away at Huddersfield and they have also won on their travels at the Celtic Crusaders this year.
Coach Richard Agar has named an unchanged squad with Danny Washbrook and Tommy Lee set to battle it out for a place in the final 17.
New recruit Sam Moa is likely to see more action this weekend after making a 13-minute cameo appearance off the bench against the Giants.
Bradford squad: Cook, Langley, Sheriffe, Burgess, Sykes, Scruton, Menzies, Newton, Crookes, Deacon, James, Morrison, Lynch, Kopczak, Jeffries, Tadulala, Worrincy, Platt, Nero.
Hull FC squad: Hall, Calderwood, G. Horne, Yeaman, Briscoe, R. Horne, Thorman, Dowes, Berrigan, Cusack, Manu, Tickle, Radford, Houghton, Moa, Thackray, Lee, Maloney, Washbrook.