Aussie injury boost for Bulls

MacDougall (left) is recuperating from a groin injury

The Bradford Bulls have been given a boost ahead of their World Club Challenge against Australian champions Newcastle on 1 February.

The Knights will travel to Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium without star wingers Adam MacDougall and Timana Tahu.

MacDougall inflamed an old groin injury during Australia's Ashes series win against Great Britain.

Tahu, a try scorer in the 30-24 Grand Final win over Parramatta, has also had surgery for a similar problem.

The facilities at La Manga are first class and we are going there to work very hard

Brian Noble
Bulls coach

Both have made good progress during the off-season down under but are not expected to face the Bulls.

Newcastle coach Michael Hagan told NRL.com: "They're not really in the frame for the trip, but they'll be right for the start of the new NRL season."

Knight's captain Andrew Johns, named this week as the world player of the year, has warned his team that the Bulls will be difficult opponents.

"I can't stress to our boys just how tough this assignment against the Bulls will be," he said.

"Bradford are big, strong and fast and, in English conditions, will be incredibly hard to beat.

"Their team provided most of the muscle for the Great Britain squad and, with players such as their skipper Robbie Paul able to take advantage of their size up front, it is going to be a tough battle."

Quality preparation

Bradford are taking no chances with their build-up to the big game, having transferred to the La Manga complex in Spain for winter training.

Bulls coach Brian Noble told the club's website: "It is vital that we are able to get some quality training in preparation for it.

"The facilities at La Manga are first class and we are going there to work very hard.

"We will be able to focus the squad for the whole week without fear of training being disrupted by the weather."

Bradford will also have a warm-up game against Castleford on 23 January.

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Newcastle squad for World Club Challenge: Daniel Abraham, Danny Buderus, Kurt Gidley, Matthew Gidley, Mark Hughes, Matt Jobson, Andrew Johns, Clint Newton, John Morris, Clinton O'Brien, Robbie O'Davis, Jarrod O'Doherty, Matt Parsons, Bill Peden, Josh Perry, Anthony Quinn, Sean Rudder, Steve Simpson, Josh Smith.