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Penrith Panthers from Down Under bare fangs against Bradford Bulls
Huddersfield, Feb 12: Bradford Bulls of England and Australian rugby league opponents Penrith Panthers ready to test strength for World Cup challenge.
Huddersfield, Feb 12: Bradford Bulls of England and Australian rugby league opponents Penrith Panthers ready to test strength for World Cup challenge.
Pernith Panthers players trained with the British army on Wednesday (February 11), ahead of their World Challenge Cup against the Bradford Bulls. Bradford Bulls will start with Aaron Smith as a hooker in the match on Friday (February 13) in Huddersfield but coach Brian Noble has not yet decided who will replace absent half-backs Robbie Paul and and Paul Deacon in what promises to be a great duel between two great rivals. "There is an element of Britain versus 'Oz' you know, at club level and I like (that) to be a reflection on how strong our competition is now," Noble said. Pernith coach John Lang has also made changes to his line-up, with Brett Howland starting in the right wing and Trent Waterhouse replacing Scott Sattleer in the pack.
The Australians believe they are prepared to take their opponents at their strength. "I've watched English league a lot," Lang said before adding: "Their biggest thing is their power game, they are big and they are strong right across the ground. If you can't combat there, you probably not going to be in the contest."
While the players were busy building a mock bridge with the British soldiers, Lang denied they were in some kind of combat training. He said the Cup challenge match was very important for Pernith, despite the fact they did not stage a warm-up match prior to it.
"I think for us, after the NRL (National Rugby League) premiership, obviously that's our number one, that's the next biggest thing a game an Australian team can play in, so we put the highest possible priority, you know. Ever since we came back to training, on 5th of January, it's really been focused on this game," Lang said.
A victory for Bradford would help to raise the profile of the contest down-under and Noble believes his team can repeat the success of last year's edition when they beat Leeds Rhinos 22-20 to lift the Cup.
"It's a big game, it's an exciting game, the players have are taking very, very seriously as I am and I am not that kind of person who wants to be embarrassed by anybody, so we prepare as best as we can," Noble said.
The Challenge Cup has been staged in England for the last three years as part of a deal with the National Rugby League and the Australians may be offered the chance to host the event in the future.
Pernith's Colin Ward will start on the bench in what will be his last match after announcing his retirement.
Bureau Report
Pernith Panthers players trained with the British army on Wednesday (February 11), ahead of their World Challenge Cup against the Bradford Bulls. Bradford Bulls will start with Aaron Smith as a hooker in the match on Friday (February 13) in Huddersfield but coach Brian Noble has not yet decided who will replace absent half-backs Robbie Paul and and Paul Deacon in what promises to be a great duel between two great rivals. "There is an element of Britain versus 'Oz' you know, at club level and I like (that) to be a reflection on how strong our competition is now," Noble said. Pernith coach John Lang has also made changes to his line-up, with Brett Howland starting in the right wing and Trent Waterhouse replacing Scott Sattleer in the pack.
The Australians believe they are prepared to take their opponents at their strength. "I've watched English league a lot," Lang said before adding: "Their biggest thing is their power game, they are big and they are strong right across the ground. If you can't combat there, you probably not going to be in the contest."
While the players were busy building a mock bridge with the British soldiers, Lang denied they were in some kind of combat training. He said the Cup challenge match was very important for Pernith, despite the fact they did not stage a warm-up match prior to it.
"I think for us, after the NRL (National Rugby League) premiership, obviously that's our number one, that's the next biggest thing a game an Australian team can play in, so we put the highest possible priority, you know. Ever since we came back to training, on 5th of January, it's really been focused on this game," Lang said.
A victory for Bradford would help to raise the profile of the contest down-under and Noble believes his team can repeat the success of last year's edition when they beat Leeds Rhinos 22-20 to lift the Cup.
"It's a big game, it's an exciting game, the players have are taking very, very seriously as I am and I am not that kind of person who wants to be embarrassed by anybody, so we prepare as best as we can," Noble said.
The Challenge Cup has been staged in England for the last three years as part of a deal with the National Rugby League and the Australians may be offered the chance to host the event in the future.
Pernith's Colin Ward will start on the bench in what will be his last match after announcing his retirement.
Bureau Report