DUNNING EXCITED FOR HURRICANES CLASH

Mark Dunning has spoken of his excitement ahead of Saturday’s clash with Midlands Hurricanes at Odsal Stadium – where a ‘select’ Bradford outfit will take to the field against the Betfred League One outfit.

Dunning, who will head the Reserves side in 2022 alongside his role as Assistant Coach to John Kear, enjoyed a brief stint as head coach of the Reserves prior to COVID putting pay to the 2020 season. 

The newly-formed Hurricanes will act as the first and final warm up act (2:00pm kick off) before the season opener against St Helens on Friday 18^th February. 

And Dunning has told his players to ‘express themselves’, with supporters getting the opportunity to see some faces, young old and new, on Saturday. 

“I am really excited – it has been a long time between drinks and the boys have been working really hard, I am excited to see how they apply themselves on Saturday,” said Dunning, who is sponsored by Crystal Clear Bi-Folds. 

“Without the Reserves there is a massive hole in development, we expect 18-year-olds to be the finished article when they aren’t always going to be so it was sorely missed and I am looking forward to it coming back. 

“We are going to play some talented opponents, Super League opposition where we will be tested and the way we have structured the Reserves is that anyone not selected for the first time and is fit, will be available. 

“I look on it as a massive challenge and an exciting one, I have told the boys to play without fear and express themselves – we have had a few ‘bolters’ in pre-season we didn’t expect and all I am looking for is they develop week in, week out putting their best foot forward applying themselves against men who may well be bigger, faster and stronger. 

“We will be naming a 25-man squad having taken some advice from Academy head coach Leigh Beattie on who has worked hard in pre-season in the Academy and who deserves a reward on the back of their efforts. 

“There are first team players on the way back from injury who will play and make their debuts and there is also potentially a player from Super League joining us on loan who could feature. 

“My message to the fans is come out and support the players, it is their first outing of the year and without doubt some of those players will play first team this year so you will get a good early look at them, everyone knows when the fans come out it is a really good place to be and it will be much appreciated by players and staff.” 

Dunning also took the time to praise the set up at the newly-formed Midlands Hurricanes, who rebranded from Coventry Bears at the back end of 2021. 

“I have nothing but respect for the whole club, the way they have tried growing the game they have done everything the right way, I have a lot of respect for Alan and the board there and Richard I know well from his time coaching the Scholarship side at Bradford. 

“They are a good, honest group and having touched base a few times with them last year – with brad Ho going on loan – I wish them all the best. 

“It will be great to welcome them to Odsal on Saturday and to have a hit out and hopefully both teams and players will get something out of it.” 

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