Rugby League Coaching Manuals

Preview - After the heaviest snow fall in over a decade, Brian McDermott says he is very happy with the preparation his team have made ahead of Sunday's match at the Stoop. "We haven't let the weather effect us, and we've been able to do a lot this week to prepare fully for our first Super League fixture of 2009.

"The starting line-up should look something like it did in our friendly against Halifax, but the biggest question is what the bench will look like once I've decided on my 17 man squad. I didn't have to make those decisions for our warm-up games, but I'm actually really looking forward to settling on 17 players and giving them a longer run out.

"The players are all really looking forward to it, and we couldn't wish for a better opponent to open against, with Bradford having such an illustrious history."

Injury News
Daniel Heckenberg (shoulder) should return with 2 weeks
Dave Williams (quad strain)
Matt Gardner (back)

The pitch is now free from snow, and is receiving constant attention. There will be a pitch inspection at the Stoop on Saturday morning. If the game is cancelled, announcements will be made through the usual channels.