MATCH PREVIEW | MARK DUNNING

Bradford boss Mark Dunning insists progression in the Betfred Challenge Cup is high on the squad’s agenda – ahead of Sunday’s Round Three clash with National Conference Premier outfit York Acorn.

Dunning’s Bulls have started their league campaign in impressive fashion with three wins from five but turn their attentions to the knockout competition and a side who saw off the RAF in Round Two. 

Ebon Scurr is back available following suspension and the likes of George Flanagan Jnr and Myles Lawford are poised to make their first appearances of the season. 

But Sunday’s squad will still boast a ‘senior core’ – with respect being shown to the opposition and competition.

“The Challenge Cup is the one constant in Rugby League, there’s been chopping and changes to the league format but the Challenge Cup has always been the focal part of our game,” said Dunning, who is sponsored by Natalie Lane on behalf of Homeless Not Hopeless.

“I love the competition love to see it back to where it was in yesteryear in terms of its importance, we want to go as far as we can and are very mindful if we get to a certain stage we get to the 1895 Cup. 

“Reaching the final gives the part time players the opportunity to play at Wembley, that is on our agenda, we are doing everything we can to get as far as we can to get there. 

“But we cannot look past York Acorn, I went to their game against Wath Brow Hornets at the weekend and saw some clips from their game in the last round, they are no mugs, they need to be shown respect but the whole message is about us concentrating on ourselves. 

“There’s a couple of players who played in the Reserves last week who picked up injuries or they would have been in and around the squad. 

“There will be some young blokes who probably won’t make the 17 but will be in and around as reward and reflection for their efforts. The squad will be slightly different to what we’ve seen, but with a senior core.”

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