Nigel Askham talks to Utility Back Michael Withers

Aussie try poacher Michael Withers admits he won't be watching today's Challenge Cup final.

After missing out on the big day follwing the Bulls sem-final defeat by the Rhinos he can't bring himself to see just what he missed.

"It was a big disappointment for me. The chance of getting to Wembley was one of the main reasons for coming over here and to be so close was really hard to take.

"We gave it away in the end and that made it even harder to cope with so I'll be staying away from the television today," he said.

Instead he'll be concentrating on the build-up to Monday's second-versus-third tussle at Castleford when the Bulls look to strengthen their position in the race for Grand Final glory at Old Trafford in October.

"That is obviously the aim now and I think things are progressing pretty well," he said. "Castleford are playing well too and I have a lot of respect for their coach Stuart Raper who was in charge of the New South Wales under-19 side when I played for them. He is a clever operator."

But he believes a continuation of the Bulls recent form will be enough to bring them the points.

"Aside from the hiccup at St Helens, our defence has been outstanding and if we keep that up we have the players in attack to win the game."

The modest Aussie can count himself among the potential match winners after a fine start to his Odsal career which has brought him eight tries in as many games since his close season move from Balmain.

His latest effort which helped defeat neighbours Halifax was typical of his try poaching efforts - popping up in centre field to stretch over from Steve McNamara's pass at the base of the scrum.

"I do like to sniff around for chances but I still like the long range stuff too and would like another long range effort like the one against Workington.

"Matthew has helped me by giving me a pretty free role and against Halifax I was dropping back on the second tackle to give us extra full-back cover.

"It also means that I can get some speed up and try to spot a gap rather than picking the ball up from acting half-back."

At 22 it was a big decision to turn his back on the best league in the world back home but Withers has no regrets at all.

"I can't say I have got used to the weather yet although this week has been a bit more like it," says Withers.

"It's a great country and we have our own Bulls village in Yeadon where Danny Peacock, David Boyle, Jed Donougher and Nick Zisti all live. They are the best bunch of blokes I have ever played with."

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