Bradford Bulls face tough challenge against unbeaten Toulouse Olympique

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Bradford Bulls can increase their three-game winning streak to four but face a tough test against the unbeaten Toulouse Olympique at Tetley’s Stadium.

Bulls have won three on the bounce and this recent good run of form has helped them secure a spot in the Betfred Championship play-offs. 

Last week’s win did not only secure a chance for promotion back to the Super League but also welcomed back Danny Brough from a lengthy injury. 

However, Jordan Lilley’s future at Bradford remains uncertain with the half-back yet to sign a new deal and with many clubs sniffing around for his signature.

Toulouse have enjoyed an outstanding season so far. They boast a 100% record and are the overwhelming favourites to gain promotion to the Super League for the first time in their history since re-joining the British Rugby League system in 2016. 

As well as their 100% record, they also have the best defence in the league and are the second-highest scorers behind Featherstone Rovers.

Team News

Bulls Head Coach John Kear confirmed in his match preview that his squad will be short on numbers for the crucial fixture against Toulouse. Jack Sanderson, Adam Rookes and recent addition Masi Matongo will all miss out due to COVID-19 isolation rules.

Aaron Murphy and Danny Brough also miss out after they both picked up knocks in last week’s game with York City Knights with Ant Walker and Matty Dawson-Jones also unavailable. 

Toulouse have their own injury problems to manage. Latrell Schaumkel and Andrew Dixon both picked up injuries in the last fixture with Oldham. Paul Marcon also misses out with an ongoing knee problem

However, the French side have been boosted by the return of Joe Bretherton, Lloyd White and Guy Armitage back into the 21-man squad.

Head to Head

In the last five meetings between the two sides, Toulouse have gained the upper hand with three wins and two defeats against the Bulls. 

This season’s encounter between the teams was called off due to COVID-19 related issues.

The last time the two met it was Bradford who won 26-24 at the Stade Ernest Argeles thanks to tries from Joe Keyes, Jake Webster, Ross Oakes, Brandon Pickersgill and Matty Wildie.

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