Bradford Bulls boss Eamon O'Carroll ready for Wakefield

This weekend’s visitors remain unbeaten in the Betfred Championship this season and not only that, but they’ve also won all 14 fixtures that they’ve played.

One of those victories came against O’Carroll’s side on the opening day of the 2024 campaign with the hosts running out 40-12 winners on that occasion.

However, the Bulls proved to be a much a sterner test when Trinity travelled to Odsal for the 1895 Cup semi-final in May.

“We’ve had a good look at that game and although it was a while ago, we need to remember that we were extremely competitive in that match,” said O’Carroll.

“It’s important that we take confidence from that because we are coming up against an extremely good team, a team that are rightly sitting as league leaders.

“I’ve now got to get my bit right for all of the players, as we have the challenge of facing two full-time teams in Toulouse and Wakefield within the space of a week, so it’s going to be physically demanding on all of the boys.

“We’re fully aware of the challenge ahead but we’re all looking forward to it and are excited about Sunday’s match.”

He added: “We’ve improved since the last game against them, but so have Wakefield.

“For us, we’re going into this match with no fear, but we know that if we are not on it for the full 80 minutes, then we may get burnt.

“That’s what makes this fixture so exciting; it’s a great challenge for us.”

Jordan Lilley cuts a frustrated figure after Bulls' lost to Wakefield in the 1895 Cup semi-final at Odsal in May (Image: Tom Pearson)

Bulls were twice reduced to 12-men in Toulouse last Saturday, as Jorge Taufua and Eribe Doro were both sent to the sinbin on separate occasions in the 12-12 draw in France.

And ahead of this weekend’s mammoth clash with Wakefield, O’Carroll has urged his players to be a bit more sensible if they are to maximise their chances of winning against the league leaders.

He said: “It will be very important for us to keep all of the boys on the field against a very good Wakefield team.

“The sending off for Jorge, I had no issue with it, and neither did he. He was disappointed but he needed to go in the bin for that incident.

“There are some occasions when we can get be better and more disciplined, but there are also some occasions that aren’t in your hands. You have to accept it.

“What I can say is that Wakefield will be on hand to punish you at every opportunity so it’s key that we keep all of our men on the field for this one.”

Giving his thoughts on Bulls’ chances of victory this Sunday, O’Carroll said: “I have full belief in my players, and I think that comes from being with them for a long period of time now.

“I trust my players to back themselves too, even in the games that we’ve not played well in and have lost. They’ll always remain extremely competitive.

“I have the upmost confidence that they’ll go out there and believe in themselves on Sunday too, as they showed in the 1985 Cup match against Wakefield.

“If they do that, which I believe they will, then anything is possible because we’re a side that is growing in confidence and stature.”