OPPOSITION GUIDE | WHITEHAVEN RLFC

AHEAD of Sunday's Betfred Championship Round Four clash, we take a look at our Cumbrian opponents - Whitehaven RLFC!

Formbook

Bradford Bulls are set to face Whitehaven RLFC in their second away fixture of the season. (3pm Kick-off)

Whitehaven have started the season off with two victories and two losses, with a win over Newcastle Thunder in the Betfred Championship, and a win over Dewsbury Rams in the Betfred Challenge Cup.

The Squad

Whitehaven have several experienced Championship players, such as Gregg McNally and Andy Thornley, both formally of Leigh Centurions.

In the off season, they also strengthened their squad with the signings of Lachlan Walmsley, a highly rated winger who came through the Newcastle Knights system.

The Coach

Haven coach Gary Charlton has been at the club since 2018 – having played for all four Cumbria clubs.

So far in 2021, he has overseen his side win two and lose two, so his side will be looking to bounce back after a defeat in the previous round to top of the table Featherstone Rovers. 

Connections

Among the Whitehaven ranks, they have several former Bulls players, such as Gregg McNally, who enjoyed a spell during 2018 as we gained promotion from League 1 at the first attempt. 

They also recently signed Oscar Thomas, who played for the club during 2016 and 2017, after signing from London Broncos.

The Stadium

Whitehaven play their home games at the newly named LEL Arena, formerly known as the Recreation Ground.

The LEL Arena can hold up to 8,603 spectators when full – although the Coronavirus pandemic will see the match played behind closed doors.

Previous Affairs

During 2018, Bradford Bulls played Whitehaven twice, beating them both times home and away as they earned promotion from League 1.

The home game, at Odsal Stadium ended in a 46-0 victory for the Bulls, with the away game, ending in a 27-20 win.