BERNARD Dwyer was described in Robbie Hunter-Paul’s autobiography as “a man among men, who was made of rocks” for his role in Bradford’s 2000 Challenge Cup final win over Leeds.

Two weeks earlier, Dwyer had torn his bicep, yet played his part at Murrayfield from the bench as Bradford lifted the famous trophy for the first time in 51 years.

When the Bulls face Swinton Lions in Widnes tonight, Dwyer will be watching proudly from the stands as his 22-year-old son Connor plays for the newly-promoted club.

Connor, a highly-regarded second rower, goes by the nickname ‘Bernard’, a legacy of his famous father’s standing in the game, and is a lifelong Bradford supporter.

This is despite the fact that he was on the books at St Helens, his home-town club, since the age of 11 and spent a year there in the full-time ranks before joining Swinton at the start of last season.

“I was only young when my Dad played for Bradford but I remember driving up to Odsal to watch him with my Mum and my sister,” says Connor, who lives at home with his parents.

“I remember the fireworks going off and the atmosphere being fantastic, so I’ve always been a Bulls fan.

“It was hard growing up in St Helens with all my friends supporting Saints and me following Bradford.

“I went to all the big finals the Bulls played in and I remember when we did the treble in 2003.

“My Dad was on the coaching staff at Bradford then and it was such a fantastic time.

“I’m still a Bulls fan now and it will be brilliant to play against them.

“My dad has been a huge influence on my career and has never been too pushy, but he coached my amateur team, Portico Vine, and that really helped me to develop from the ages of 13 to 16.

“Knowing what my Dad achieved is an inspiration but also a burden because I’m always getting compared to him.

“But I think we both know I’m better, or I will be better!

“My dad has always said I could be a better player than him and that it’s just down to how I put myself about in training.

“He’s never one for praising me after games and he doesn’t hold back in his criticism.

“I think it was Keiron Cunningham who started the nickname ‘Bernard’ at Saints and it kind of stuck when I came to Swinton.

“I had a year of being full-time under Nathan Brown at Saints, which didn’t quite work out, so I’ve definitely got ambitions to get back into the full-time ranks.”

Swinton went up last season after beating Keighley at Widnes in the League One promotion final, so the stadium holds fond memories for Dwyer, who also won a final there for Portico Vine.

John Duffy’s part-time outfit lost by just two points in their opening game against Dewsbury and were leading at half-time at London Broncos last week before suffering another close defeat.

Connor works as a technician fixing household appliances in Kirkby, while his father is now a prisoner officer in Liverpool.

Dwyer said: “We’re newly promoted this season but haven’t feared anyone, so we are more than confident of staying up.

“We could have had two wins and we’re enjoying the challenge, so it will be good to face a full-time team.

“I’ve been looking forward to this game against Bradford since we got promoted.

“The one player who has always stood out for me is Danny Addy, especially being a back-rower myself. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”