FRIDAY SKY TV: WIGAN WARRIORS v BRADFORD BULLS (From Warrington Guardian)

FRIDAY SKY TV: WIGAN WARRIORS v BRADFORD BULLS

BRADFORD BULLS are seeking to avoid equalling their worst Super League run of three successive defeats.

In 1998 their three successive mid-season defeats were: Warrington Wolves (A) 10-28, Wigan Warriors (H) 12-28, Salford (A) 10-11. They ended the run with a 36-10 home win over Huddersfield Giants. Bradford finished fifth that year.

Robbie Paul, who played in all three matches, and Stuart Fielden, two substitute appearances, are the only members of the current squad who played in the losing run.

The previous time Bradford lost their first two matches of a season was in the 1991-92 Stones Bitter Championship.

They last lost three successive opening League matches in 1981-82. After starting the season with two Yorkshire Cup wins they lost their first three Slalom Lager Championship matches before winning 8-7 at Whitehaven. Current coach Brian Noble, played in the first defeat, scoring a try in the 11-12 home loss against Widnes.

Wigan home run

WIGAN WARRIORS have gone 24 home matches without losing. The run includes two draws, against Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos. Their last home defeat was 18-22 to Widnes Vikings on 26 July 2003, Stuart Raper's last match as coach before Mike Gregory took over. Wigan's unbeaten home run is made up of 18 Super League matches, 4 play-offs and 2 Powergen Challenge Cup-ties.

Wigan v Bradford Super League results

1996 Wigan 22 v Bradford 6; Bradford 20 v Wigan 12

1997 Wigan 18 v Bradford 22; Bradford 18 v Wigan 33

1998 Bradford 12 v Wigan 28; Wigan 38 v Bradford 4

1999 Bradford 19 v Wigan 2; Wigan 14 v Bradford 0

2000 Wigan 12 v Bradford 12; Bradford 18 v Wigan 30;

Wigan 20 v Bradford 19

2001 Bradford 35 v Wigan 24; Wigan 44 v Bradford 30;

Wigan 16 v Bradford 10

2002 Wigan 4 v Bradford 18; Bradford 28 v Wigan 26;

Bradford 32 v Wigan 14

2003 Wigan 8 v Bradford 14; Bradford 22 v Wigan 35;

Wigan 26 v Bradford 12

2004 Bradford 34 v Wigan 6; Wigan 32 v Bradford 16

Bradford 38 v Wigan 12

Play-off

2000 Wigan 40 v Bradford 12

2001 Bradford 24 v Wigan 18

Bradford 37 v Wigan 6 Final at Old Trafford

2003 Bradford 25 v Wigan 12 Final at Old Trafford

Old Division One/Super League meetings (Since reintroduction of two divisions in 1973)

Wigan won 34 (22 home); Bradford won 28 (8 away): 3 draws (2 at Wigan)

Bradford's highest score: Bradford 38 v Wigan 12 ... 2004

Widest margin: 36 v Wigan 6 ... 1984-85

Wigan's highest score: Wigan 60 v Bradford 6 ... 1986-87 (also widest margin);

Wigan 60 v Bradford 34 ... 1994-95

Cup meetings (All other competitions, including play-offs) since 1973

Wigan won 9 (3 home, 2 away, 4 neutral); Bradford won 8 (1 home, 3 away, 4 neutral)