Bulls set for Wests Tigers challenge

By all reports Super League Champions Bradford Bulls will have the backing of the entire City of Bradford when they take on Wests Tigers in the World Club Challenge this weekend.

The annual clash between the English Super League champions and Australia's National Rugby League Premiers and kicks off this Friday night in Huddersfield.

Home country advantage should see Bradford go in as favourites, the Bulls having beaten both Penrith and Newcastle in previous challenge matches over the last four years.

Wests Tigers will be playing in their first ever World Club Challenge.

Bradford Bulls squad:
Michael Withers, Marcus Bai, Shontayne Hape, Ben Harris, Dave Halley, Andy Smith, Karl Pryce, Iestyn Harris, Joe Vagana, Ian Henderson, Stuart Fielden, Brad Meyers, Chris McKenna, Paul Johnson, Adam Watene, Andy Lynch, Janie Langley, Brett Ferres, Matt Cook, Matty Brooks, Ryan Atkins.
Coach: Brian Noble

Wests Tigers squad:
Brett Hodgson, Shannon McDonnell, Paul Whatuira, Dean Collis, Jamaal Lolesi, Daniel Fitzhenry, Scott Prince (c), Bryce Gibbs, Robbie Farah, John Skandalis, Chris Heighington, Anthony Laffranchi, Ben Galea, Liam Fulton, Bronson Harrison, Sam Harris, Ryan O'Hara, Keith Galloway.
Coach: Tim Sheens

Kick off:
The 2006 World Club Challenge kicks off 8:00pm (GMT) this Friday, 3 February (7:00am Saturday, 4 February Sydney time) at Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield.

Ticketing and travel:
Bradford Bulls website - click here

Live match updates:
www.leagueunlimited.com

PREVIOUS WCC RESULTS
2005 Leeds d Bulldogs 39-32
2004 Bradford d Penrith 22-4
2003 Sydney Roosters d St Helens 38-0
2002 Bradford d Newcastle 41-26
2001 St Helens d Brisbane 20-18
2000 Melbourne d St Helens 44-6
1997 Brisbane d Hunter Mariners 36-12*
1993 Wigan d Brisbane 20-14
1992 Brisbane d Wigan 22-8
1991 Wigan d Penrith 21-4
1989 Widnes d Canberra 30-18
1987 Wigan d Manly 8-2
1976 Easts d St Helens 25-2
* run as a separate competition rather than as a challenge game between competition premiers.
Source: ARL