Big match for us, and one where we can really make the league stand up and take notice.

From the League Express: Sheffield Eagles hope to have four key forwards back available for this weekend's trip to Bradford Bulls. Backrower Jamie Langley was set to miss the weekend's game with Halifax due to a minor groin complaint that should only be a one-week issue. Prop Tony Tonks will be back from a two-match suspension. And coach Mark Aston is hopeful that both loose forward Pat Walker and second row Duane Straugheir will also come into contention.

My prediction will be Bradford by 10. They've not been playing up to standards so a Bulls mate tells me but they will be wary of what we have in our locker after the convincing Fax victory, plus they'll be a bit on edge after being roughened up by Donny. Come on Eagles!

Sorry Danny i think we will win by 10 !! Our lads will be up for this and the Bulls are struggling with their defence where as ours is second only to leigh, lets hope its nice and dry as the better weather will suit our game ! Lets hope Tubbs picks a strong experienced team !! COYE

No need to apologise mate haha, I'm confident in what our side can produce but I think Bradford will just get over the line against us and keep their 100% record at Odsal intact.

Received a message from Nigel Borham, regular 'Sad Stats' man for Sheffield..

The game is the 30th meeting of the two teams, with the first one taking place almost 30 years ago, on 24th November 1985. The game was played at Owlerton in John Player Trophy game which Bradford Northern won by 16 points to 24. It took until February 1991 (7 further games) before the Eagles broke the duck, and won at Odsal in a closely contested league game by 10 points to 6. The next win was again at Odsal, and this time in the Yorkshire Cup in September 1992. A win in the league was not until 1993, the first at Don Valley, by 21 points to 12. 8 more games until January 1996 passed before that elusive win happened and in the final meeting of the 2 in the Stones Bitter Championship saw a 19 points to 10 win for Sheffield. The first meeting of the two sides in Super League 1, again at DVS, saw another Eagles win, this time by 40 points to 24. 8 more matches and only one win (again at Odsal) by 38 points to 16 on 2nd August 1998. The final game between the Bulls and Eagles was played in front of 11029 fans on 22nd Aug 1999, again at Odsal, and again another humiliating defeat by 4 points to 52.

Match Stats: Played 29, won 6 lost 23. Points for 408, points against 828.
Matches at Odsal: Played 16, won 3, lost 13. 11 of these 16 have been League games where Eagles have won 2 and the average score is Bulls 36 Eagles 15......... If you want any more just shout...Regards Nigel

Well then Danny lets write another chapter in the stats book ! starting with an Eagles win !! Great post by Mr Borham by the way , will you be there on Sunday Nigel ??? its a lot closer than the Keepmoat ?

That last one I think was at the end of the season and the Bulls had just won the league throphy or did it at that match. There wasn't many teams that took points of them that season!

This year it WILL be different!

Nigel lives in Barrow with his wife, so only gets to the Cumbrian games really. He keeps track of the Eagles results and adds them to the range of stats he's already got recorded. I get messages from him with all the stats for upcoming matches, which I usually put in my previews, but I can also post them on here from now on if you want?

An Eagles win would put us level on points with Bradford in 2nd. The addition of Tonka is great, I would say he's been our best prop forward this season but there's numerous players who could be named for it, such as Battye and Thorpe.

Bradford v Sheffield preview - wp.me/p3JxPK-xa A lot longer than usual, I'm not quite sure why..

Bradford v Sheffield preview - wp.me/p3JxPK-xa A lot longer than usual, I'm not quite sure why..

Matt Thomason is the referee for Bradford v Sheffield, the second game on the trot we've had him as ref.

Shall put a few T&A articles in here should we be mentioned. Ferguson presents no case for defence as Bradford Bulls seek quick fix - www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/s ... quick_fix/

Shall put a few T&A articles in here should we be mentioned. Ferguson presents no case for defence as Bradford Bulls seek quick fix - www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/s ... quick_fix/

Nice to know that the admission price(s) at The RFL stadium - may be because,they 'are a Super League team',(according to Lowes in the above article.)

I think the Bulls closed off the area behind the sticks for away fans,and those wanting to stand are allowed access to the side of the ground.

* though that situation may have changed *

Sheffield Eagles boosted by Tonks' return - www.thestar.co.uk/sport/other-sp ... -1-7233007

Sheffield Eagles boosted by Tonks' return - www.thestar.co.uk/sport/other-sp ... -1-7233007

A win on Sunday for Sheffield "probably guarantees three of the top four" says Phil Caplan on The Last Tackle from 18:25 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4suIJKNidEM

A win on Sunday for Sheffield "probably guarantees three of the top four" says Phil Caplan on The Last Tackle from 18:25 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4suIJKNidEM

With Danny apparently otherwise engaged I shall update from the Bradford press

rlMark Astonrl

Cheers AC, a good couple of stories there from the T&A. Nothing from the Star as of yet but will keep looking.

No - we had a couple more $uperleague seasons after that.