Doncaster RLFC clash '˜another of our cup finals' - Bradford Bulls coach

Bradford Bulls coach John Kear says his team's trip to Doncaster is a 'cup final'.
Bradford Bulls head coach John KearBradford Bulls head coach John Kear
Bradford Bulls head coach John Kear

Sunday’s clash at the Keepmoat Stadium (3pm) sees League One’s top two sides go head-to-head.

Kear said: “The challenge is there and Doncaster have the advantage from being at home. We’re going to have to be good once again.

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“It’s a really good stadium and we’ll have another big crowd but obviously that will inspire them just as much as us.

“It’s another of our cup finals and we’ve got to get out there and do the best we can.”

Kear watched Doncaster run Championship visitors Featherstone close in the Challenge Cup last weekend, before going down 26-16.

“They were very good as the scoreline indicates. Featherstone didn’t have it their own way by any means and had to earn that victory.

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“They are a good team, very well coached and will be difficult to beat.”

Meanwhile, Castleford star Luke Gale, who played for both sides, is expecting a close fought encounter.

He said: I know a few lads from both teams so it will be a result I will be watching closely, I always keep an eye on how both sides are doing each week.

“I’ll regularly read the paper on a Monday and have a good look at how they have gone on, it’s something I like to do especially when they are doing well.

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“I was speaking to Jy Hitchcox who is on loan at Bradford and he said how big a game it’s going to be, the teams are matched closely so it should be a good game.”

Back-row forward Frankie Mariano coud make his Doncaster debut after signing until the end of the season.

The Dons are encouraging fans to arrive early ahead of Sunday’s game. Gates open at 1.30pm.