Super League: London Broncos v Bradford Bulls preview
Last Updated: 13/09/14 2:48pm
London Broncos and Bradford Bulls bow out of Super League on Saturday by going head-to-head at the Hive.
The Broncos have endured a season of struggle after being given a lifeline by chairman David Hughes while the Bulls never really recovered after being docked six points for entering administration.
London did thankfully topple Leeds Rhinos prior to their Challenge Cup success meaning Joe Grima’s squad have tasted success at least once this season.
Bradford’s form has been much imroved under James Lowes, however, the damage was already done meaning relegation for the four-time Super League winners.
The Bulls suffered a second-half collapse at home to Widnes Vikings last Sunday in losing 32-12 while the Broncos were thumped 58-26 by Iestyn Harris’ Salford.
Step up
Emmerson Whittel and Mason Tonks could make their first-team debuts for the Bulls against the Broncos after Lowes made a raft of changes for Saturday’s clash.
Academy product Whittel and on-loan Leeds youngster Tonks have featured regularly for the Under-19s this season and could now follow Brad Adams' footsteps in making the step up to Super League.
Adams is again included, although Matty Blythe, Jamal Fakir, Danny Williams, Oliver Roverts and Dale Ferguson drop out of the 19-man squad while Lee Gaskell misses out with a knee injury.
Included in Grima’s squad for the first time is Alex Walker. The 18-year-old has had an impressive season at full-back for the Under-19s and joined the youth system after playing his rugby league at Brentwood and Newham Dockers.
Toby Everett, who made his first team debut at Salford on Sunday, keeps his place with Harvey Burnett and Joel Wicks added to the squad. George Griffin, Nesi Mataitonga and Thomas Minns miss out.
London Broncos: Atkins, Burnett, Cook, Dixon, Dollapi, Drinkwater, Everett, Farrar, Keyes, Krasniqi, McMeeken, Moore, Slyney, Thomas, Vea, Walker, Wallace, Wicks, Woodburn-Hall.
Bradford Bulls: Mellor, Pitts, Olbison, Baldwinson, Gale, Henry, Donaldson, O'Brien, Tonks, Whittel, Adams, Arundel, Foster, Walker, Addy, Conroy, Sidlow, Manuokafoa, Kearney.