SWINTON head coach John Duffy is aiming to defy the odds this evening and cut the Bulls down to size.

Duffy’s newly-promoted side have pushed Dewsbury and London Broncos close in their opening two defeats but the Lions boss knows that Bradford will present a significantly tougher challenge.

The match has been switched to the Select Security Stadium in Widnes because the club’s usual home – Sedgley Park RUFC – was not suitable to host the Bulls’ visit.

Duffy’s part-time team played their opening game of the season ‘at home’ to Dewsbury at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford.

He said: “I thought our fans against Dewsbury at the AJ Bell were fantastic.

“They kept up their belief in the team from start to finish and we were so close to getting over the line with a victory.

“Against Bradford it will be tougher still, and myself and the players are really hoping for a good turnout from our fans."

Swinton won promotion at Widnes last season after beating Cougars 29-28 in a nail-biting play-off final to follow neighbours Oldham into the second tier.

Duffy added: “We have great memories of the stadium following our play-off win there and hopefully those memories will also encourage a few more to go there and get behind us.”

The Bulls are huge favourites to rack up a third straight win but Duffy is confident in his players’ abilities.

He added: “I want the players to do the things they’ve been coached to do, and not just play it safe.

“We’re a threat to any side with the ball in our hands, so we need to try and take our own game to the opposition.

“We lost two friendlies in our pre-season build-up to the weather, so arguably we’ve been a little behind schedule in terms of preparation.

“But I’ve seen enough against Dewsbury and London to give me a lot of encouragement and I hope our fans feel the same way.”