Quote:Saturday 21 Mar 2009
Kick Off 18:00

STEVE McNAMARA

TRAVELLING TO FRANCE HAS ITS OWN LOGISTICAL PROBLEMS. HOW DO YOU COPE WITH THEM?

We have tended to go at this time of year and as there are no direct flights to Perpignan we have go the long way round but we are used to it now and we are unbeaten in France since they came into the competition. It takes a lot of hard work and tenacity to go out there and get the win and we certainly have that but we are probably a little bit down on belief at the moment. They are a very tough side and the conditions can also be very tough. Traditionally there is a very strong wind in the Catalans region at this time of year and you have to cope with it. It can mean you have to play a different style of football in each half of the game. There are two league points at stake and we are desperate to get them.

The Catalans supporters certainly make a lot of noise and create a tense atmosphere and I think they have been a great addition to the competition. I think people were a little bit sceptical, especially after Paris St Germain folded, but it has taken off. They are a very good side, have been in the Challenge Cup Final and the Play Offs and they are a tough side to beat. We are not afraid to go there, because no opposition or venue daunts us but to get the two points this week would be really nice for us.

DO YOU FEEL YOU ARE GOING INTO THE GAME WITH A BIT OF A CLOUD HANGING OVER YOUR HEAD WITH THE WAY THINGS HAVE GONE SO FAR?

Perhaps from the outside looking in but certainly not from the inside. We are very positive here and we feel we are not only very close to getting one win but a lot of wins and the way the players are preparing, week in and week out, then we will certainly turn it round, because believe me they are preparing very well.

You have difficult patches as a Coach even when you are winning. There are still issues to and problems to solve and at this time we are just not where we want to be on the league ladder and have not got the start we wanted but there are a whole lot of positives for us. We always put pressure on ourselves as a Coaching staff and a group of people to perform well and that will always remain the same but rather than hide from the challenge that's in front of us - don't get me wrong I am really disappointed as to where we are - I am looking forward to embracing this challenge and getting us back to where we need to be and that's what we are focused on.

AS COACHES YOU ARE HERE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS.

That's right and there's no two ways about it. We want to put together a side that's very competitive and one that can compete for trophies. I know we have got that and I know we have a fantastic side. They know that and they also know they haven't produced it yet but it will come.

SQUAD

Bulls Coach Steve McNamara is likely to name virtually the same 19 man squad as last week with the exception of Dave Halley, who has come back from Wakefield and replaces Halifax loanee Matt James in the squad.

Shoulder injury victim David Solomona is not yet fit to return and long term knee injury victim Tame Tupou is also not available.

The Squad is likely to be:

Matt Cook, Jamie Langley, Rikki Sheriffe, Sam Burgess, Paul Sykes, Nick Scruton, Steve Menzies, Terry Newton, Jason Crookes, Paul Deacon, Dave Halley, Glenn Morrison, Andy Lynch, Craig Kopczak, Ben Jeffries, Semi Tadulala, Michael Worrincy, Michael Platt, Chris Nero

MILESTONES

TERRY NEWTON needs 4 points for a total of 100 for the Bulls. He has scored 24 tries in 74 appearances

RIKKI SHERIFFE needs 1 try for career total of 300 points. He has scored 74 tries for a points total of 296.

PAUL DEACON, who has kicked 11 goals from 13 attempts this season for a percentage of 84.62%, needs 11 points for a career total of 2500 points. He has scored 78 tries, kicked 1077 goals, 23 drop goals for a total of 2489 points in his 333 games.

Duckman wrote:Interesting to see what role McNamara has in mind for Halley with Platt Sheriffe and Tadulala also in the squad.

Wigan Bull wrote:I would imagine 1 of those four will be ommited from the 17

Wigan Bull wrote:I would imagine 1 of those four will be ommited from the 17

Ewwenorfolk wrote:It can't be Halley or why call him up? I'd say either Platt or Sheriffe

Duckman wrote:Probably, but I could easily see a scenario whereby Platt starts at FB, Sheriffe and Tadulala start on the wings and Halley starts on the bench to come on for any of the above as the game dictates with Crookes and Worrincy being dropped from the 19.



I also agree with this, why call him up and not include him? and I think it depends on the reason Platt was on the bench last Sun, if he's got a knock then put Halley in at FB. If Platt is fit he goes to FB and Halley could get a shot on the wing instead of Sheriffe.

ritz wrote:Platt felt unwell last week, was off colour so macca put him on bench.

ritz wrote:Platt felt unwell last week, was off colour so macca put him on bench.

Duckman wrote:Cheers for that, so if fully recovered he goes back in at FB and Halley competes for one of the wing spots, probably at the expense of Sheriffe.